How much money did each have to start?

Question

Before they went shopping together, Jack had the same amount of money as Karen. After Jack spent $34 and Karen spent $16 the two noticed that Jack had 1/4 the amount of money that Karen had. How much money did each have to start?

Answer 1

Jack had X - $34 = .25(X-$16); X=.25X - $4 + $34; x-.25X=$30; X(.75) = $30; X=$40

Karen had X-$16

They both had $40!

Check:

X-$34 = .25(X-$16)

$40-$34=.25($40-$16)

$6=.25($24)

$6=$6