How much was each allowance?

Question

Algebraic Reasoning About Quantities

 

Paula and Ray receive the same weekly allowance. One Saturday after receiving their allowances, Paula spent $5.00 and Ray spent $2.00. Paula then had only half as much left as Ray had left. How much was each allowance?

Answer 1

Since they each start out w the same amount x

then Paula spends 5 and Ray spends 2. So now Paula has x-5 and Ray has x-2. So if Paula has half as much as Ray we set the equation as

x-5=1/2(x-2)

 

cross multiply to get rid of fractions

2(x-5)=x-2

2x-10=x-2 solve for x to get

x=8