Sarah’s dad tells her she can have the greater of the following two amounts for her allowance (in dollars):

The sum of 3 times 5 and 2

3 times the sum of 5 and 2

What is Sarah’s allowance, in dollars?

Question

Sarah’s dad tells her she can have the greater of the following two amounts for her allowance (in dollars): 

The sum of 3 times 5 and 2

3 times the sum of 5 and 2

What is Sarah’s allowance, in dollars?

anonymous · Answer

Well what is the sum of 3 times 5 and 2?

anonymous · Answer

The first selection is (3)(5) + 2.  The second selection is (3)(5+2).  calculate each and find the larger.  Who would want a smaller allowance when you can have a larger allowance?  :-)