Question

Gary spent $48 on a watch. He spent 1/3 of the remainder on a pen. If he still had 1/2 of his money left, how much did he have at first?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

let the total amount be x

spent on watch = 48

remaining balance = x - 48

1/3 of remaining spent on pen = 1/3(x - 48)

= 1/3 (x - 48)

= x/3 - 16

money left with him = 1/2 x

$48 + \frac{x}{3} - 16 + \frac{x}{2} = x \\ 32 + \frac{x}{3} + \frac{x}{2} = x \\ \frac{192 + 2x + 3x}{6} = x \\ 192 + 5x = 6x \\ 192 = 6x - 5x \\ x = 192$

verification

192 - 48

= 144

144 × 1/3

= 48

total amount spent = 48 + 48 = 96

amount remaining = 192 - 96 = 96

half of the amount he had

192 ÷ 2 = 96

hope you get your answer