Question 1163004
<br>
Given the ratio 2:5:3, start on the problem with<br>
2x = Alvin's share
5x = Zachary's share
3x = Philip's share<br>
Zachary spent 20% (1/5) of his money, so he has 4/5 of it left.  4/5 of 5x is 4x.<br>
At that point, the amount Zachary had was $196 less than the total that Alvin and Philip had.<br>
{{{4x = (2x+3x)-196}}}
{{{4x = 5x-196}}}
{{{x = 196}}}<br>
The question that is asked is how much more money did Alvin and Zachary have then Philip at first:<br>
{{{(2x+5x)-3x) = 7x-3x = 4x = 4(196) = 784}}}<br>
ANSWER: At the start, Alvin and Zachary together had $784 more then Philip.<br>