Fred and Ben had $198 and $171 respectively. Each of them bought a skirt and a sweater at the same price. The cost of the skirt was 5 times as much as the sweater. In the end, Fred had 4 times as much money as Ben. What was the difference between the cost of the sweater and the skirt?
|
Fred |
Ben |
Difference |
Before |
$198 |
$171 |
$27 |
Change |
- 6 p |
- 6 p |
|
After |
4 u |
1 u |
3 u |
Since Fred and Ben bought the same items at the same price, the difference in the amounts they had remains unchanged at first and in the end.
4 u - 1 u = 198 - 171
3 u = 27
1 u = 27 ÷ 3 = 9
Cost of 1 skirt = 5 p
Cost of 1 sweater = 1 p
Total cost of 1 skirt and 1 sweater
= 5 p + 1 p
= 6 p
6 p = 171 - 9
6 p = 162
1 p = 162 ÷ 6 = 27
Difference in the cost between the skirt and the sweater
= 5 p - 1 p
= 4 p
= 4 x 27
= $108
Answer(s): $108