Problema Solution

A man entered a store and told the shopkeeper "If you give me as much money as I now have, I will spend $20 in your store" The shopkeeper agreed and the man spent the money. The man entered a second store and proposed the same deal. Again the shopkeeper agreed and the money was spent. Yet again, the man entered the store, persuaded the shopkeeper and $20 was spent. At this point the man had no money left. With how much money did he start?

Answer provided by our tutors

the money he had at the beginning: x


after the first store: x + x - 20 = 2x - 20


after the second store: 2(2x - 20) - 20 = 4x - 60


after the third store: 2(4x - 60) - 20 = 8x - 140


after the third store the man had not money left thus


8x - 140 = 0


by solving we find


x = $17.5


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the man started with $17.5.