Problema Solution

Alex, Ben, and Carl have some money. If Alex gives $4.55 to Ben, the two boys will have an equal amount of money. If Ben gives $4.55 to Alex, Alex will have 3 times as much money as Ben. Carl's money is the sum of the two other boys' money. How much money do the three boys have in all?

Answer provided by our tutors

let


a = the money Alex has


b = the money Ben has


c = the money Carl has


If Alex gives $4.55 to Ben, the two boys will have an equal amount of money:


a - 4.55 = b + 4.55


If Ben gives $4.55 to Alex, Alex will have 3 times as much money as Ben:


a + 4.55 = 3(b - 4.55)


by solving the system of equations:


a - 4.55 = b + 4.55


a + 4.55 = 3(b - 4.55)


we find:


a = $22.75


b = $13.65


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Carl's money is the sum of the two other boys' money:


c = a + b


c = 22.75 + 13.65


by solving we find:


c = $36.40


altogether the three boys have:


a + b + c = 22.75 + 13.65 + 36.40 = $72.80.