SOLUTION: For a recent year, Americans spent approximately $69 Billion on weddings. This represents a 50% increase from the amount spent in 2001. What amount did Americans spend on weddings

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Question 707887: For a recent year, Americans spent approximately $69 Billion on weddings. This represents a 50% increase from the amount spent in 2001. What amount did Americans spend on weddings in 2001?

Thank you!!!
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = amount Americans spent on weddings in 2001


x + 50% of x = 69 billion

x + 0.5x = 6.9 * 10^10

1.5x = 6.9 * 10^10

x = (6.9 * 10^10)/(1.5)

x = (6.9 * 10^10)/(1.5 * 10^0)

x = (6.9/1.5) * (10^10/10^0)

x = 4.6 * 10^(10-0)

x = 4.6 * 10^10

x = 46 billion

So Americans spent 46 billion dollars on weddings in 2001

Notice how 50% of 46 billion is 46*0.5 = 23 billion

Add this to 46 billion and you get 69 billion

So this verifies the answer.