jake spent 3/8 of his money on a book and 1/2 of what was left on a magazine.he now has $6.25. how much money did he start with?

please help me i am confused...
thank you :)

1 answer

after spending 3/8 of $x he has 5x/8 left
then he spends 1/2 of that, leaving
5x/16

5x/16 = 6.25
5x = 100
x = 20

check: 3/8 of 20 = 7.5
leaving him with 20-7.5 = 12.50
1/2 of that is 6.25, leaving him with 6.25, Check!