Question

Mike withdrew $32 from his bank account at an ATM machine. the transaction slip said his balance was $289.14. what was his previous balance?

would I just add the money he has now with how much he withdrew ?

Answer 1

I think that you would just add it together 321.14

Answer 2

Here's how we'd approach this problem with good algebra: Let x = amount of money that our friend Mike originally had in his bank account. After this withdrawal, the amount he has left is then x - $32 = $289.14. Solving for x involves adding $32 to both sides of this equation, so yes, you are right, you need to add together the amount he has NOW and the amount he had withdrawn.

Answer 3

You'd be "solving for x," which in this case is the original balance in Mike's account.

Answer 4

Thanks guys :D