Question 544778
Let x=Sam's money


Since Jim has 17 more than Sam, this means that 
x+17 = Jim's money


The equation is that the SUM of their money is 73,  so
Sam + Jim = 73
x + x+17 = 73


Now, solve the equation:

x+x+17=73
2x+17=73
2x +17-17= 73-17
2x=56
x=28  


x= $28 = Sam's money
x+17 = 28+17= $45 = Jim's money


Check:  28+45= $73 total


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Since most of my career was spent teaching math IN COLOR, this became a major theme in my teaching career.  In case you forget my name or can't remember how to spell it, an easy way to find my website is to go to the link www.mathinlivingcolor.com.    


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida