Let the winner's earning = x million dollars
Therefore the runner up's earning = ½x − 4 million dollars
Since their combined earnings = 23 million dollars, the following equation can be written to connect both persons:
x + (½x − 4) = 23
Thus, 1½x − 4 = 23 OR 3⁄2 x − 4 = 23
3⁄2 x = 27
Multiply both sides by ²⁄3:
²⁄3 (³⁄2 x) = ²⁄3 (27) = 54/3
x = 18
The winner's earning = $18 million
Runner up's earning = ½ (18) − 4 = 9 − 4 = $5 million
