Money word problem

Question

Joey, Brian, and Kyle spent $1189 to buy their dad a computer for Christmas. Brian paid $148 more than Joey. Joey paid $399 less than Kyle. How much did Brian pay?

Answer 1

Hi Phil, 

We can solve this problem by following these steps:

Step One: Create Let Statements

Let the amount Joey pays= x-399

Let the amount Brian pays= 148+ (x-399)

Let the amount Kyle pays= x

Step Two: Create an equation relating our Let statements:

Total Amount Paid=(the amount Kyle pays)+(the amount Joey pays)+(the amount Brian pays)

1189=x+x-399+148+x-399 Combine Like Terms

1189=3x-650 Add 650 to both sides of the equation

1189+650=3x Simplify

1839=3x Divide both sides by 3

x=613

∴Brian paid $362 because 148+(613-399)=362

Best, 
Star

Answer 2

Let Kyle spent x , then Joey spent x-399, and Brian spent 148+(x-399) 

x+(x-399)+(148+x-399) = 1189

3x-650 =1189

3x = 1839

x = 613 (kyle)

Joey : 613-399 =214

Brian : 214+148 = 362