Lorie spent 3/5 of her money on gifts for Luann and Joan. Luann’s gift cost 3 times as much as Joan’s gift. If Lorie had $12 left after she made her purchases, how much did Luann’s gift cost?

Answer 1

as with the previous problem,
$12 is 2/5 of what she started with, so that was $30
3/5 of 30 = 18
So, she spent $4.50 on Joan, and $13.50 on Luann.

Answer 2

5/5-3/5 = 2/5 left.
2m/5 = 12
m = $30 = the original amt.
3/5 * 30 = $18 = amt. spent on gifts.

Joan's gift: $x.
Luann's gift: $3x.
x+3x = 18
X = $4.50.
3x = $13.50.