Question

Steve and Ben have some money in their wallets. If Steve gives Ben $3, Ben will have twice as much as Steve. If Ben gives Steve $7, the amount Ben has will be one-third that of Steve’s. How much money do Steve and Ben each have in their wallets?

Answer 1

Answer:

Money owned by Steve = $11

Money owned by Ben = $13

Step-by-step explanation:

Let x denotes the money owned by Steve and y denotes the money owned by Ben.

Then, Steve gives $3 to Ben

Money left with Steve = x-3 and Ben = y+3

Now, Ben will have twice as much as Steve.

⇒ y+3  = 2(x-3) .............(1)

If Ben gives Steve $7

Money left with Steve = x+7 and Ben = y-7

Then,  the amount Ben has will be one-third that of Steve’s.

⇒ y-7 = $\frac{1}{3}$ (x+7) ..........(2)

Solving equation (1) and (2) by elimination method, we get

x = 11 and y = 13

⇒ Money owned by Steve = $11

Money owned by Ben = $13