260+(20x) =140+(30x) x represents the number of months. subtract 20x from both sides and subtract 140 from both sides 120=10x divide each side by 10 12=x So in 12 months, Jamal will have paid the same amount to both shops.
To check your answer, you plug in 12 for x. 260+20(12)=140+30(12) 260+240=140+360 500=500
