Question 983747
.
Since Tom is 2 cents short, Jim must have no money or 1 cent.
Otherwise, they would have enough combined to buy a bottle.
If Jim has no money, the bottle costs 148 cents, and Tom has 146 cents.
If Jim has 1 cent, the bottle costs 149 cents, and Tom has 147 cents.
ANSWER: A bottle of water costs 148 cents 0r 149 cents.