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?

Answer 1

Let x = money to start

5/8x - 1/2(5/8x) = 6.25

Solve for x.

Answer 2

if he spent 1/2 of what was left on a magazine then he had 12.50 before he bought the magazine. Maybe you could use this as a starting point.