The ratio of Erika's money to Nicole's money was 1 : 2. After Erika spent thrice as much as Nicole, Erika and Nicole had $8 and $51 left respectively. Find the amount of money each of the girls have at first.
- Erika
- Nicole
| |
Make u the same
(1)x2 = (3) |
Erika
(1) |
Nicole
(2) |
| Before |
2 u |
1 u |
2 u |
| Change |
- 6 p |
- 3 p |
- 1 p |
| After |
16 |
8 |
51 |
(a)
1 u - 3 p = 8
2 u = 8 + 3 p --- (1)
2 u - 1 p = 51
2 u = 51 + 1 p --- (2)
(1)
x2
2 u = 16 + 6 p --- (3)
(3) = (2)
16 + 6 p = 51 + 1 p
6 p - 1 p = 51 - 16
5 p = 35
1 p = 35 ÷ 5 = 7
Amount that Erika had at first
= 8 + 3 p
= 8 + 3 x 7
= 8 + 21
= $29
(b)
Amount that Nicole had at first
= 16 + 6 p
= 16 + 6 x 7
= 16 + 42
= $58
Answer(s): (a) $29; (b) $58
