Luke, Xavier, Ethan and Flynn paid a total of $168 for a present. Flynn paid ²₅ of what the rest paid. Luke paid 50% of what the rest paid. Xavier and Ethan paid an equal amount of money. How much did Ethan pay?

Luke	Xavier	Ethan	Flynn	Total
5x3			2x3	7x3
1x7	2x7			3x7
	1	1
7 u	4 u	4 u	6 u	21 u

50%= ⁵⁰₁₀₀= ¹₂
Luke's share : Total share = 1 : 2

The total amount paid for the present is repeated.  Make the total amount the same.  LCM of 7 and 3 is 21.

Amount that Xavier, Ethan and Flynn paid = 14 u

Amount that Xavier and Ethan paid
= 14 u - 6 u
= 8 u

The amount that Xavier and Ethan each paid is the same.

Amount that Xavier and Ethan each paid
= 8 u ÷ 2
= 4 u

Cost of the present = 21 u

21 u = 168

1 u = 168 ÷ 21 = 8

Amount that Ethan paid
= 4 u
= 4 x 8
= $32

Answer(s): $32