Question 1208627
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First do a little logical analysis to determine that the two of us will have the same amounts if I give him $8 means I start with $16 more than him.  So<br>
x = # of dollars he has to start
x+16 = # of dollars I start with<br>
If he gives me $19, then<br>
x-19 = # of dollars he will have
(x+16)+19 = x+35 = # of dollars I will have<br>
In that case, I will have twice as much money as he will:<br>
x+35 = 2(x-19)
x+35 = 2x-38
x = 73<br>
ANSWER: He starts with $73<br>
CHECK:
I start with x+16 = $89 and he starts with $73
If I give him $8, I will have $89-$8 = $81 and he will have $73+$8 = $81 -- same amounts
If he gives me $19, I will have x+35 = $108 and he will have $73-$19 = $54 -- I have twice as much as he has<br>