Question

Sharon spent $2 on a magazine; then she spent half of the rest of her money on shoes. She spent half of her remaining money on lunch. She has $12 left. How much money did sharon start with?

Answer 1

X= X+2+(a÷2)+(b÷2)+12

Answer 2

start with x
spend 2 on magazine, leaving x-2
spend (x-2)/2 on shoes, leaving (x-2)/2
spend ((x-2)/2)/2 leaving (x-2)/4

(x-2)/4 = 12
x = 50

check:
start with 50
spend 2, leaving 48
spend half, leaving 24
spend half, leaving 12