Joe spent 3/4 of his money. Then he lost 3/4 of the money he had left

Question

$6 remained. How many dollars did Joe have originally? 

Answer 1

x: Dollars Joe had originally

 

(1/4)(1/4)x=6

x/16=6

x=96

Answer 2

Madison, the word "of" in a problem means to multiply.  If he spent 3/4 of his money, that means he had 1/4 left, right?  If he lost 3/4 of the 1/4, then he has 1/4 of the 1/4 left, and 1/4 x 1/4 = 1/16.

 

Since the $6 is 1/16 of what he started with (we'll call it x), then (1/16)x = $6. Dividing both sides by 1/16, we get x = $96.

 

Let's check.  1/4($96) = $24 and 1/4($24) = $6.

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Hope this helps!