Math Problem Statement

Sasa had some 20-cent and 50-cent coins. Let x be the total number of coins. Then, 7/8 x were 20-cent coins, and the rest, 1 - 7/8 = 1/8 x, were 50-cent coins. After Sasa spent $72.50 worth of 50-cent coins, which is equivalent to 72.50 / 0.50 = 145 50-cent coins, and 5/7 of the 20-cent coins, she had 2/7 x coins left. Find the total amount of money Sasa left.

Solution

We are given the following information:

  • xx is the total number of coins.
  • 78x\frac{7}{8}x are 20-cent coins, and 18x\frac{1}{8}x are 50-cent coins.
  • Sasa spent 145 of her 50-cent coins and 57\frac{5}{7} of her 20-cent coins.
  • After spending the coins, Sasa had 27x\frac{2}{7}x coins left.

Step 1: Express the total number of coins spent

We know Sasa had 18x\frac{1}{8}x 50-cent coins initially. After spending 145 50-cent coins, the number of remaining 50-cent coins is:

Remaining 50-cent coins=18x145\text{Remaining 50-cent coins} = \frac{1}{8}x - 145

Next, Sasa had 78x\frac{7}{8}x 20-cent coins. She spent 57\frac{5}{7} of these, so the remaining 20-cent coins are:

Remaining 20-cent coins=78x×(157)=78x×27=14x\text{Remaining 20-cent coins} = \frac{7}{8}x \times \left(1 - \frac{5}{7}\right) = \frac{7}{8}x \times \frac{2}{7} = \frac{1}{4}x

Thus, the total number of coins left after spending both types of coins is:

Total remaining coins=(18x145)+14x\text{Total remaining coins} = \left( \frac{1}{8}x - 145 \right) + \frac{1}{4}x

Step 2: Set up the equation

We are told that after spending the coins, Sasa had 27x\frac{2}{7}x coins left. So we equate this to the expression for the total remaining coins:

27x=(18x145)+14x\frac{2}{7}x = \left( \frac{1}{8}x - 145 \right) + \frac{1}{4}x

Step 3: Solve the equation

First, let's combine like terms on the right-hand side. To do this, we need a common denominator between 18x\frac{1}{8}x and 14x\frac{1}{4}x. The least common denominator is 8, so:

14x=28x\frac{1}{4}x = \frac{2}{8}x

Thus, the equation becomes:

27x=18x+28x145=38x145\frac{2}{7}x = \frac{1}{8}x + \frac{2}{8}x - 145 = \frac{3}{8}x - 145

Now, solve for xx by eliminating the fractions. Multiply through by 56 (the least common multiple of 7 and 8):

56×27x=56×(38x145)56 \times \frac{2}{7}x = 56 \times \left( \frac{3}{8}x - 145 \right)

This simplifies to:

16x=21x812016x = 21x - 8120

Now, isolate xx:

16x21x=812016x - 21x = -8120

5x=8120-5x = -8120

x=81205=1624x = \frac{-8120}{-5} = 1624

So, the total number of coins xx is 1624.

Step 4: Calculate the total amount of money Sasa had left

We now know that Sasa had 1624 coins in total. Let's calculate how much money she had left.

  • The remaining 50-cent coins are 18×1624145=203145=58\frac{1}{8} \times 1624 - 145 = 203 - 145 = 58.
  • The remaining 20-cent coins are 14×1624=406\frac{1}{4} \times 1624 = 406.

The total amount of money Sasa had left is:

Total money left=58×0.50+406×0.20=29+81.2=110.2\text{Total money left} = 58 \times 0.50 + 406 \times 0.20 = 29 + 81.2 = 110.2

Thus, Sasa had $110.20 left.

Would you like further clarifications or details on any step?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you calculate total money from coin counts?
  2. What is the relationship between fractions of a whole and percentages?
  3. How can you set up equations based on word problems?
  4. What are some strategies for solving linear equations with fractions?
  5. How do you combine terms with different denominators in an equation?

Tip: When dealing with fractions in equations, multiplying through by the least common denominator simplifies the calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Fractions
Linear Equations

Formulas

Total coins left: 2/7 x = (1/8 x - 145) + 1/4 x
Remaining 50-cent coins: 1/8 x - 145
Remaining 20-cent coins: 1/4 x
Total amount of money: (Remaining 50-cent coins × 0.50) + (Remaining 20-cent coins × 0.20)

Theorems

Linear equation solving with fractions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12