Ivory and Gem went shopping together. Ivory brought thrice as much money as Gem. After Ivory had spent $550 and Gem had spent $100, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Gem
- Ivory
|
Ivory |
Gem |
Before |
3 u |
1 u |
Change |
- $550 |
- $100 |
After |
3 u - $550 |
1 u - $100 |
(a)
The amounts that Ivory and Gem had in the end are the same.
3 u - 550 = 1 u - 100
3 u - 1 u = 550 - 100
2 u = 450
1 u = 450 ÷ 2 = 225
Amount that Gem had at first
= 1 u
= $225
(b)
Amount that Ivory had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 225
= $675
Answer(s): (a) $225, (b) $675