just need to know how to set this up...
Lilly and Sara each had an equal amount of money at first. After Lilly spent $18 and Sara spent $25, Lilly had twice as
much as Sara. How much money did each have at first?
This is not an easy problem to solve by arithmetic. If you are not studying pre-algebra or algebra, let us know and we can address the problem arithmetically.
If you are studying algebra or pre-algebra, here is how to do word problems.
[1] In writing, assign a letter to each unknown.
x = amount of money each young lady had at first.
y = amount Lily had left after shopping spree.
z = amount Sara had left after shopping spree.
[2] In writing, translate the relevant facts from the problem into mathematical form. (In some problems some of those facts may be implied.)
I'll do one.
y = 2z.
There are two more facts given. What are they
in mathematical form?
Once this step is done, the word part of the problem is done. The rest is a pure math problem.
[3] Simplify and then solve the math problem.
[4] Check your answer.