SOLUTION: a certain number of people have to pay equal amounts to a total of 720. if there were 3 persons less each person would have to pay 40 more. how many people were there originally?

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Question 899394: a certain number of people have to pay equal amounts to a total of 720. if there were 3 persons less each person would have to pay 40 more. how many people were there originally?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi

720/(n-3) = 720/n + 40

720n = 720(n-3) + 40n(n-3)

 40n^2 -120n - 3*720 = 0

   n^2 - 3n -54 = 0

(n-9)(n+6) = 0,   n = 9 (tossing out negative solution for count)

 Originally 9 people

And...

$720/6 = $720/9 + $40 = $120