Question

Carmen, Reuben, and Bob have a total of $133 in their wallets. Bob has 3 times what Reuben has. Carmen has $8 more than Reuben. How much does each have?

Answer 1

So you will want to form a few equations. The first one is:
C+R+B=133
Then you will want to form an equation for Bob:
B=3R
Then, another for Carmen
C=R+8

Knowing this information, you can plug each in, solving for R.

R+8+R+3R=133      Now Solve
5R+8=133               Subtract 8 from both sides
5R=125                   Divide 5 from both sides
R=25                       Now substitute R in for Carmen and Bob equations.

R=25                        Reuben has $25
C=8+25                    Add
C=33                        Carmen has $33
B=3(25)                    Multiply
B=75                        Bob has $75

Check answer:

25+33+75=133
133=133

I hope this helps!