Question

Paul, Colin and Brian are waiters.

Answer 1

Answer:

Paul gets £2(9.8) = £19.6, and

Colin gets          £1(9.8)  = £9.8, and

Brian gets          £5(9.8) = £49

Step-by-step explanation:

Find the multiplier x in 2x + 1x + 5x = £78.40.

Summing up the left side:  8x = 78.40

Dividing both sides by 8 to isolate x:

x = 9.8

Then Paul gets £2(9.8) = £19.6, and

Colin gets          £1(9.8)  = £9.8, and

Brian gets          £5(9.8) = £49

As a check, add these together; the sum must be £78.40:

£19.6 + £9.8 + £49 = £78.40.  So our figures are correct.

Brian gets £49 and Colin gets £9.8.  Subtracting, we obtain:

£39.20.  This is the amount by which Brian's tips exceeds Colin's.