Question 1205991
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Given the ratio of 3:5 for the amounts of savings for Ali and John, one common way to set up the problem is to use 3x and 5x for the respective amounts of their savings.<br>
3x = Ali's savings
5x = John's savings<br>
3x+110 = Ali's new amount
5x-16 = John's new amount<br>
The ratio of Ali to John is now 5:4.<br>
{{{(3x+110)/(5x-16)=5/4}}}
{{{5(5x-16)=4(3x+110)}}}
{{{25x-80=12x+440}}}
{{{13x=520}}}
{{{x=520/13=40}}}<br>
ANSWER: The amount of Ali's savings at first was 3x = $120<br>