John and Paul spent $45 together. John and Henry spent $65 altogether. If Henry spent 3 times as much as Paul, how much did John spend?

Question

have answer in book of $38. Need to see steps on how to solve.

Answer 1

Assuming John spent the same in each case, it is clear that Henry spent 20 more than Paul (65-45). But it also says that Henry spent 3 times as much as paul. Which means 20 must be equal to 2 times as much as paul or Paul spent 10 

Which indicates John spent 35. You can verify this by noting that Henry spent 3 times or 30. Therefore John must have spent 65-30 = 35.