Question

Which problem solving strategy would be best to solve this problem?

Brandon went to the store and spent $2.50 on pencils. He spent half of what he had left on a notebook and paper. When he got home he had $5.00 left. How much money did Brandon have before going to the store?

Answer 1

Answer: The best problem solving strategy to solve this problem with is a formula. Additionally Brandon had $12.50 before going to the store.

Step-by-step explanation: Formula and Solving it

He Spent $2.50 on pencils.

Amount left after buying a pencil = x - 2.50

Next, he spent half of the amount left in his pocket.

He spent (x - 2.50)/2 on notebook and paper.

So the total amount he spent = 2.50 + (x -2.50)/2

Amount left when he got home =$ 5.00

That means, x - Total amount spent = 5

=> x - (2.50 + (x -2.50)/2 ) = 5

=> x - 2.50 -x/2 + 2.50/2 = 5

=> x/2 - 2.50/2 = 5

=> x/2 = 5 + 2.50/2

=> x/2 = 6.25

=>x = $12.5