Joelle and Gem went shopping together. Joelle brought thrice as much money as Gem. After Joelle had spent $790 and Gem had spent $220, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Gem
- Joelle
|
Joelle |
Gem |
Before |
3 u |
1 u |
Change |
- $790 |
- $220 |
After |
3 u - $790 |
1 u - $220 |
(a)
The amounts that Joelle and Gem had in the end are the same.
3 u - 790 = 1 u - 220
3 u - 1 u = 790 - 220
2 u = 570
1 u = 570 ÷ 2 = 285
Amount that Gem had at first
= 1 u
= $285
(b)
Amount that Joelle had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 285
= $855
Answer(s): (a) $285, (b) $855