# Not sure what I'm missing - Simple Liner Equation Application

#### machine82

##### New member
Hello this is the question in the book...

Laurie has $46,000 invested in stocks and bonds. The amount invested in stocks is$8,000 less than four times the amount
invested in bonds. How much does Laurie have invested in bonds?

I set up the equation:

let b= bonds
b + 4b-8000 = 46,000
and I got...

b=10800

however the book has the solution...

b=13500
calculated by: 4b-8000=46000

what I don't understand is this....

if bonds + stocks = 46000

why is the equation set up as

4 x bonds - 8000 = 46000

and not

bonds + 4 x bonds - 8000 = 46000?

thank you
Ken

#### mmm4444bot

##### Super Moderator
Staff member
I got ... b=10800

however the book has the solution ... b=13500
Your solution is correct; math texts contain mistakes.

#### machine82

##### New member
Your solution is correct; math texts contain mistakes.

Wow, I was sure I had to be doing something wrong, thank you so much for your help!