At first, Eric, Jenson and Michael had the same amount of money. After Michael spent some of his money, Eric spent ³₅ of his money and Jenson spent ³₄ of his money, Eric had $87 more than Jenson. In the end, the total amount of money the three boys had left was $575. How much money did Michael spend?

	Eric	Jenson	Michael	Total
Before	5x4 =  20 u	4x5 = 20 u	20 u
Change	- 3x4 = - 12 u	- 3x5 = - 15 u	- ?
After	2x4 = 8 u	1x5 = 5 u		$575

The amount that Eric and Jenson each had at first is the same.  Make the amount that they each had the same.  LCM of 5 and 4 is 20.

Amount that Eric had more than Jenson in the end
= 8 u - 5 u
= 3 u

3 u = 87

1 u = 87 ÷ 3 = 29

Amount that Eric and Jenson had in the end
= 8 u + 5 u
= 13 u
= 13 x 29
= $377

Amount that Michael had in the end
= 575 - 377
= $198

Amount that Michael had at first
= 20 u
= 20 x 29
= $580

Amount that Michael spent
= 580 - 198
= $382

Answer(s): $382