How much does spencer get for his allowance if he has $0.42 left?

Question

After receiving his allowance,
Spencer spent half of it on a
Mother’s Day card. He bought
2 toy cars for $0.49 each to
give to his brothers, and a
pack of gum for $0.35. 

Answer 1

Let x = Spencer's allowance

x - (1/2)x -2(.49) - .35 = .42

(1/2)x - .98 - .35 = .42

(1/2)x - 1.33 = .42

(1/2)x = 1.75

x = $3.50