Question

1. Ali bought a painting for $35. Her neighbor, Aakash, liked the painting so much that he

offered to buy the painting from Ali for $55. Needing the money, Ali sold the painting. Two
months later, Aakash decided to sell his condo and everything in it to live with his mother in
India. Knowing how much Ali liked the painting, Aakash sold the painting back to Ali for
$60. With nowhere to hang the painting, Ali listed the painting for sale online, where it sold
for $80. In the end, did Ali lose or gain money and by how much? Or did Ali break even?
Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Ali gained $35

Explanation:

The first step is to isolate the useful information

Ali paid $35

Ali received $55

Ali paid $65

Ali received $80

paid $35 equals -$35

received $55 equals $20

Paid $65 equals -$45

received $80 equals $35

0-35=-35

-35+55=20

20-65=-45

-45+80=35

Answer 2

Explanation:

Lets say Ali started out with $35

After she paid for the painting, she had $0 left.

Then she gained $55 from Aakash.

Then she bought the painting for $60, so now she has $-5.

(I know this makes no sense but it works.)

She sold it again for $80, so now she has $75.

75-35=40.

In the end, she gained $40.

Hope this helps!