Question 1156881
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Let x be the amount Karen had at first.


Then the amount Michael had was  {{{x/3}}}.


The condition says


    x - 9 = {{{x/3}}} + 5.


Multiply both sides by 3


    3x - 27 = x + 15


Simplify

   3x - x = 15 + 27

   2x     = 42

    x     = 42/2 = 21.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  Originally, Karen had 21 dollar.
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Solved.