To set up the equation, we know the relationship between what Tracy and Curtis spent based on the information given.
- Tracy spent $33.
- According to the problem, Tracy spent $45 less than 3 times what Curtis spent.
This can be expressed with the equation:
\[ 3x - 45 = 33 \]
where \( x \) represents how much Curtis spent.
Solve for \( x \):
-
Add 45 to both sides: \[ 3x - 45 + 45 = 33 + 45 \] \[ 3x = 78 \]
-
Divide both sides by 3: \[ x = \frac{78}{3} \] \[ x = 26 \]
So, Curtis spent $26.