SOLUTION: David places pennies into an empty jar. Alice takes one-third of the pennies out of the jar. Then, Bret takes one-third of the remaining pennies from the jar. Finally, Carla takes

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Coins -> SOLUTION: David places pennies into an empty jar. Alice takes one-third of the pennies out of the jar. Then, Bret takes one-third of the remaining pennies from the jar. Finally, Carla takes      Log On

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Question 1041564: David places pennies into an empty jar. Alice takes one-third of the pennies out of the jar. Then, Bret takes one-third of the remaining pennies from the jar. Finally, Carla takes one-third of the remaining pennies from the jar. There are 40 pennies left in the jar.

How many pennies did David place in the jar?

Found 2 solutions by josmiceli, solver91311:
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +x+ = number of pennies David put in jar
After Alice takes +%281%2F3%29%2Ax+, there are
+%282%2F3%29%2Ax+ pennies left
Bret takes +%281%2F3%29%2A%282%2F3%29%2Ax+
There are +%282%2F3%29%2A%282%2F3%29%2Ax+ left
Carla takes +%281%2F3%29%2A%284%2F9%29%2Ax+
There are +%282%2F3%29%2A%284%2F9%29%2Ax+ left
----------------------------
Given:
+%288%2F27%29%2Ax+=+40+
+8x+=+27%2A40+
+8x+=+1080+
+x+=+135+
David put 135 pennies in the jar
-----------------------------
Check answer:
Alice took +%281%2F3%29%2A135+
There are +%282%2F3%29%2A135+=+90+ left
Bret took +%281%2F3%29%2A90+
There are +%282%2F3%29%2A90+=+60+ left
Carla took +%281%2F3%29%2A60+
There are +%282%2F3%29%2A60+=+40+ left
OK

Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!




Solve for

John

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