Question

Brittany’s savings may be modeled by the equation 3 (x+5)+8=122 where x represents the initial amount saved in dollars. What was the initial amount saved?

Answer 1

To find the initial amount saved by Brittany, we need to solve the equation:

\[
3(x + 5) + 8 = 122
\]

Start by isolating the expression containing \( x \):

1. Subtract 8 from both sides:

\[
3(x + 5) = 122 - 8
\]

\[
3(x + 5) = 114
\]

2. Next, divide both sides by 3 to simplify:

\[
x + 5 = \frac{114}{3}
\]

\[
x + 5 = 38
\]

3. Now, subtract 5 from both sides to solve for \( x \):

\[
x = 38 - 5
\]

\[
x = 33
\]

Thus, the initial amount saved by Brittany was **$33**.