<PRE><B>Question 1189680</B>
&lt;br&gt;
Always be open to trying different ways to solve problems.  The solution method shown by the other tutor is fine; here is a different one.&lt;br&gt;
Let x be the number of cards each of them FINISHED with.&lt;br&gt;
Then, since Craig had given 18 cards to Juan,&lt;br&gt;
x+18 = number Craig started with
x-18 = number Juan started with&lt;br&gt;
The number Craig started with was 7 times the number Juan started with:&lt;br&gt;
{{{x+18=7(x-18)}}}
{{{x+18=7x-126}}}
{{{144=6x}}}
{{{x=24}}}&lt;br&gt;
The total number of cards the two of them have is 2x=48.&lt;br&gt;
ANSWER: 48 cards altogether&lt;br&gt;
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