SOLUTION: Alex and Jim have equal amounts of money. Alex spends $5 a day and Jim spends $3 a day. When Alex has $8 left, Jim has 4 times as much. How much money do they start with?

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Alex and Jim have equal amounts of money. Alex spends $5 a day and Jim spends $3 a day. When Alex has $8 left, Jim has 4 times as much. How much money do they start with?      Log On


   

Question 453610: Alex and Jim have equal amounts of money. Alex spends $5 a day and Jim spends $3 a day. When Alex has $8 left, Jim has 4 times as much. How much money do they start with?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let a = amount Alex and Jim start with
Let d = number of days they are spending money
given:
(1) +a+-+5d+=+8+
(2) +a+-+3d+=+32+
-------------
subtract (1) from (2)
(2) +a+-+3d+=+32+
(1) +-a+%2B+5d+=+-8+
+2d+=+24+%5D%5D%5D%0D%0A%7B%7B%7B+d+=+12+
and
(1) +a+-+5%2A12+=+8+
(1) +a+=++68+
They started with $68
check:
(2) +a+-+3d+=+32+
(2) +68+-+3%2A12+=+32+
(2) +68+-+36+=+32+
(2) +68+=+68+
OK