SOLUTION: Joy invests a total of $3,500 in two accounts. The first account earned a rate of return of 15% (after a year). However, the second account suffered a 5% loss in the same time peri

Let x = amount earned the rate of 15%, in dollars.

Then the second amount, which suffered  the 5% loss,  is the rest (3500-x) dollars.



The interest from the 15% interest account is 0.15*x  dollars.

The 5% loss from the second   account is 0.05*(3500-x)   dollars.



Your equation is


    interest - loss           = final interest,   or


    0.15*x   - 0.05*(3500-x) = 325   dollars.


From the equation, express x and calculate the answer


    x =  = 2500.


Answer.  The amount at 15% is $2500;  the rest  $3500-$2500 = $1000 is the amount suffered 5% loss.


Check.   0.15*2500 - 0.05*1000 = 325 dollars   the total amount of money gained at the end of one year.   ! Correct !