Question 936553

given:

The total cost of the meal,{{{including}}} the tip, came to ${{{53.70}}}. 

If the combined tip came to ${{{9.60}}}, 

and each friend spent an {{{equal}}} amount: so, Keith  spent ${{{x}}} and Michelle ${{{x}}} 

then both spent  ${{{2x=53.70}}}  including the tip

question is what are the possible amounts each friend paid not including tip?

so, first exclude the tip:

both spent  ${{{2x=53.70-9.60}}} =>  ${{{2x=44.1}}} excluding the tip

now solve for {{{x}}} to find the possible amounts each friend paid :

${{{x=44.1/2}}}

${{{x=22.05}}}<= amount that each friend paid