Barbara and Lucy have $223. Anna and Barbara have $277. The ratio of Lucy to Anna is 2 : 5. How much does Barbara have?
Amount that Lucy has = 2 u
Amount that Anna has = 5 u
The amount that Barbara has is the repeated identity.
Barbara + 2 u = 223 --- (1)
Barbara + 5 u = 277 --- (2)
(2) - (1)
5 u - 2 u = 277 - 223
3 u = 54
1 u = 54 ÷ 3 = 18
From (1):
Barbara + 2 u = 223
Barbara + 2 x 18 = 223
Barbara + 36 = 223
Amount that Barbara has
= 223 - 36
= $187
Answer(s): $187
