Question 1151216
<br>
A solution using three variables is of course valid; but it requires a lot more work than is necessary.<br>
Read the given information carefully so that the problem can be set up using a single variable:<br>
let x = amount Susan has
then x-6 = amount Alonzo has  ($6 less than Susan)
and then 2(x-6) = amount Joe has  (twice what Alonzo has)<br>
Now the equation for the total amount that the three of them has is in a single variable.<br>
{{{(x)+(x-6)+2(x-6) = 70}}}
{{{x+x-6+2x-12 = 70}}}
{{{4x-18 = 70}}}
{{{4x = 88}}}
{{{x = 22}}}<br>
ANSWER:
Susan: x = $22
Alonzo: x-6 = $16
Joe: 2(x-6) = $32<br>
CHECK: total = $22+$16+$32 = $70<br>