Question

Rick and Ben had the same amount of money. Ben spent $138. In the end,Rick had 4 times as much as Ben.How much did Rick have?

Answer 1

At the start, Ben and Rick have the same amount of money.  Let x represent that amount.

Rick's money:  x
Ben's money:  x

Then, Ben spends $138.

Rick's money:  x
Ben's money:  x - 138

At that point, Rick has 4 times the amount that Ben has.

x = 4(x - 138)
x = 4x - 552
552 = 3x
184 = x

Rick has $184.