Melisa and Eric pay 1458 for a trip. Melisa pays 358 up front. Eric pays 1100. How much does Melisa owe Eric so they both pay exactly half of total expenses?

Question

 Trip expenses = $1458, or $729 per person. Melisa paid $358 and Eric paid $1100 up front. What does Melisa owe Eric so they each pay exactly half of the expenses?

Answer 1

If each person must pay $729 and if Melissa has paid only $358, then she owes the difference.

$729 - $358 = $371

 

Eric paid $1100 which is $371 too much ($1100 - $729).  Thus, when Melissa pays Eric $371, all will be even and each will have paid half ($729).