SOLUTION: A sum of money was shared between Alvin, Zachary and Philip in the ratio 2:5:3 respectively. After Zachary spent 20% of his money, the amount he had left was $196 less than the tot

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: A sum of money was shared between Alvin, Zachary and Philip in the ratio 2:5:3 respectively. After Zachary spent 20% of his money, the amount he had left was $196 less than the tot      Log On


   

Question 1163004: A sum of money was shared between Alvin, Zachary and Philip in the ratio 2:5:3 respectively. After Zachary spent 20% of his money, the amount he had left was $196 less than the total amount of money that Alvin and Philip had. How much more money did Alvin and Zachary have than Philip at first??
Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Given the ratio 2:5:3, start on the problem with

2x = Alvin's share
5x = Zachary's share
3x = Philip's share

Zachary spent 20% (1/5) of his money, so he has 4/5 of it left. 4/5 of 5x is 4x.

At that point, the amount Zachary had was $196 less than the total that Alvin and Philip had.

4x+=+%282x%2B3x%29-196
4x+=+5x-196
x+=+196

The question that is asked is how much more money did Alvin and Zachary have then Philip at first:

%282x%2B5x%29-3x%29+=+7x-3x+=+4x+=+4%28196%29+=+784

ANSWER: At the start, Alvin and Zachary together had $784 more then Philip.