SOLUTION: A total of $55 is divided among Ben, John, and Mary. John got 1/3 of what Ben got, while Mary got 1/2 of what Ben got. How much did each recieve? I am not sure how to convert

Question 583042: A total of $55 is divided among Ben, John, and Mary. John got 1/3 of what Ben got, while Mary got 1/2 of what Ben got. How much did each recieve?

I am not sure how to convert this to algebra form. I should be able to solve once I get the correct form, but I would appreciate the help to be sure I am getting the correct steps.
Thank you
Found 2 solutions by JBarnum, solver91311:
Answer by JBarnum(2146) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
j=john b=ben m=mary

substitute the j and m and solve for ben
find a common denom number to knock out the fractions (6) is divisable by 3, 2, and 1 so cross canceling will eliminate the fractions
multiply everything by 6

substitute in b for the other two equations

.
check
j+m+b=55
10+15+30=55
55=55
correct
Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Let represent what Ben got. Then is what John got, and is what Mary got. And then:

Solve for , then calculate and .

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it

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