SOLUTION: During an evening out, Dean paid a cab driver 20 dollars. He then spent 25 dollars on dinner and half of his remaining money on a painting. He bought an umbrella for 23.75 dollars

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Question 1191574: During an evening out, Dean paid a cab driver 20 dollars. He then spent 25 dollars on dinner and half of his remaining money on a painting. He bought an umbrella for 23.75 dollars and had 42.15 dollars left. How much money did Dean have to begin with?
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
b, amount of money at beginning

b-20-25-%281%2F2%29%28b-20-25%29-23.75=42.15--------this is the description, literally as an equation.

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b-20-25-%281%2F2%29%28b-20-25%29-23.75=42.15
b-45-%281%2F2%29%28b-45%29=42.15%2B23.75
b-%281%2F2%29%28b-45%29=42.15%2B23.75%2B45
2b-%28b-45%29=2%2842.15%2B23.75%2B45%29
2b-b%2B45=2%2842.15%2B23.75%2B45%29
b=-45%2B2%2842.15%2B23.75%2B45%29
b=-45%2B221.8
highlight%28b=176.8%29
You should check to see this works in the equation and fits the description.

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

During an evening out, Dean paid a cab driver 20 dollars. He then spent 25 dollars on dinner and half of his remaining money on a painting. He bought an umbrella for 23.75 dollars and had 42.15 dollars left. How much money did Dean have to begin with?
Easier to go backwards!

Final count: $42.15

Amount before $23.75 was spent: $42.15 + 23.75 = $65.90

Amount before 1%2F2 was spent on painting: 2($65.90) = $131.80

Amount before $25 was spent on dinner: $131.80 + $25 = $156.80

Initial amount before cab driver was paid $20: $156.80 + $20 = $176.80