Question

Having received his weekly allowance, John spent 3/5 of his allowance at the arcade. The next day he spent one third of his remaining allowance at the toy store, and then spent his last $0.80 at the candy store. What is John’s weekly allowance?

Answer 1

if his allowance is x,
3x/5 = allowance on arcade
this means that there is 2x/5 remaining

1/3(2x/5) = toy store => 2x/15 = toy store

adding 3/5 and 2/15 we get a total amount spent of 11x/15 of his allowances. this must mean that there is only 4x/15 remaining. since his last bit of money was .80, we can say 4x/15 = .80. solving for x we have x = $3.00

Answer 2

why wouldnt it be 1/3x (2/5x)

Answer 3

and y do u multiply instead of adding

Answer 4

because read the question again, he spent 3/5 at the arcade, then he spent 1/3 (emphasis on THIRD) on his REMAINING allowance, not 1/5 of his total allowance, which is why you multiply

Answer 5

i dont get it can u give me a visual and draw something?

Answer 6

hey y do u have it multiplied by 1/3 instead of 2/3?

Answer 7

because the question says he spent 1/3 of his remaining at the toy store not 2/3

Answer 8

but isnt the remaining 2/3?

Answer 9

we use what he spent, not what is remaining

Answer 10

he spent 1/3 of his allowance AFTER he spent the 3/5

Answer 11

you dont use the remaining allowance to calculate