Liza earned some money delivering newspapers.

Question

She bought a battery for $1.95, and gave her mom $30. She bought a ring for $7.20, and then spent half of the remaining money on a radio. If Liza has $38.50 left, how much money did she earn delivering newspapers. How do i write and solve this as an equation?

Answer 1

Let x = the initial amount Liza earned from delivering newspapers.

 

Work your way backwards.

 

She has $38.50 that is left over.

 

Since she spent the same amount on a radio, the radio costs $38.50.

 

She spends $7.20 (ring) + $1.95 (battery) before this and gives her mom $30.

 

All of these are subtractions from the initial amount:

 

x - 1.95 - 30.00 - 7.20 - 38.50 = 38.50

 

x - 77.65 = 38.50

 

x = $116.15