How much did he earn this week?

Question

Armando works part time at a pet store. This week he earned $18 less than 4 times the amount he earned last week. His total earnings for the two weeks were $262. How much did he earn this week?

Answer 1

Let x = what he earned last week.  This week he earned 4x - 18.  The total amount he earned both weeks is

 

$262 = (last week's earnings) + (this week's earnings)

 

262 = (x) + (4x - 18) = 5x - 18

 

262 = 5x - 18 ⇒ x = (262 + 18)/5 = 56

 

He earned $56 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

Answer 2

Yep, whatever. We don't need math.

 

e + 4e - 18 = 262

5e = 280

e = 56

 

4(56) - 18 = 206