How to solve a fraction story problem

Question

Gary spent $48 on a watch. He spent 1/3 of the remainder on a pen. If he still had 1/2 of his money left, how much money did he have at first?

Answer 1

x=amount of money to begin with

x-48 left after buying the watch

(x-48)-(1/3)(x-48)=(1/2)x

x-48-(1/3)x+16=(1/2)x

(2/3)x-32=(1/2)x

(2/3)x-(1/2)x=32

(1/6)x=32

x=6*32

x=$192 

check:

$192-$48=$144

$144-(1/3)$144=$144-$48=$96 which is half of what he had

2*$96=$192