Question

Together, Tim and Tom have $2.40. Tim has three times as much as Tom. How much does each have?

Answer 1

Tim has `$1.80` and Tom has `$0.60`.

Explanation:

Consider the amount that Tim has as `x` and the amount that Tom has as `y`. From the data given:

`x+y=2.4`
`x=3y`

In the first equation, substitute `x` with `color(red)(3y)` (the value of `x` in the second equation).

`x+y=2.4`

`color(red)(3y)+y=2.4`

`4y=2.4`

Divide both sides by `4`.

`y=0.6`

In the first equation, substitute `y` with `color(blue)(0.6)`.

`x+y=2.4`

`x+color(blue)(0.6)=2.4`

Subtract `0.6` from each side.

`x=1.8`