Mary and Penelope went shopping together. Mary brought thrice as much money as Penelope. After Mary had spent $590 and Penelope had spent $180, they had an equal amount of money left. How much money did each of them have at first?
- Penelope
- Mary
|
Mary |
Penelope |
Before |
3 u |
1 u |
Change |
- $590 |
- $180 |
After |
3 u - $590 |
1 u - $180 |
(a)
The amounts that Mary and Penelope had in the end are the same.
3 u - 590 = 1 u - 180
3 u - 1 u = 590 - 180
2 u = 410
1 u = 410 ÷ 2 = 205
Amount that Penelope had at first
= 1 u
= $205
(b)
Amount that Mary had at first
= 3 u
= 3 x 205
= $615
Answer(s): (a) $205, (b) $615