Solution to Contest #8

Jack has two bank accounts that total $1,041.50.

x = first bank account, y = second bank account

x + y = 1,041.50

The first bank account has 35.1% less money than the second bank account.

x = y * (1 - 0.351) = y * 0.649

Solving:

y * 0.649 + y = 1,041.50

1.649 * y = 1,041.50

y = 631.50

So x = 1,041.50 - 631.60 = 409.90

What is the difference between the first and second bank account?

631.60 - 409.90 = 221.70

The difference between the two bank accounts is $221.70. Did you understand how the English formulated these calculations?

If the question was rephrased "The second bank account had 35.1% more money than the first," would the answer be different?