Question 956857: I would really appreciate if you could explain to me step by step how solve this problem because I am very confused. Also, what I should do if I have another problem like this in the future?: This morning James had half as much money as his sister and 27 dollars less than his brother. Then his sister paid James and his brother each 12 dollars not to tell their parents what happened out in the garden last Wednesday. After the payoff, James's brother has twice as much money as James's sister. How much money does James have now?
Answer by macston(5194)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! J=James' money; S=sister's money; B=brother's money
Take each line and try to extract all the information
This morning James had half as much money as his sister and 27 dollars less than his brother.
J=(1/2)S=B-27
After the payoff, James's brother has twice as much money as James's sister. How much money does James have now
B+12=2(S-24)
Look for ways to substitute for variables to wind up with only one variable in the equation. We can substitute for B and S in terms of J:J=B-27 so B=J+27:
(J+27)+12=2(S-24)
And for S:J=(1/2)S so S=2J
J+39=2(2J-24)
J+39=4J-48 Add 48 to each side.
J+87=4J Subtract J from each side.
87=3J Divide each side by 3
29=J ANSWER 1: James started with $29. So now James has $29+$12=$41.
CHECK:
B=J+27=29+27=$56 Brother started with $56
S=2J=2($29)=$58 Sister started with $58
B+$12=2(S-$24)
$56+$12=2($58-$24)
$68=2($34)
$68=$68
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