Charles bought a book and Jenna bought a blouse at the store. Jenna spent 4/3 the amount charles did. Together they both spent $63. How much did Charles spend?

Question

I know that I have to form an equation from this, but I’m not really sure how. 

Answer 1

Let x = the amount that Charles spent

 

"Together they both spent $63"      means

      Charles spent           +        Jenna spent             =   $63

            x                       +      (4/3)x                       =   $63

 

           (7/3)x = $63

            x   =   (3/7)($63)

           x   =  $27

 

Charles spent $27

 

Check:

    Jenna spent (4/3)(27) = $36

 

    Together, they spent   $27 + $36  =  $63       ; yes