A group of office workers had some prize money to distribute among themselves. When all but one took $9 each, the last person only received $5. When they all took $8, there was $12 left over. How much money had they won?

Question

I keep getting $68 but the answer says $140. Can someone please help me. Thanks

Reiny · Accepted Answer

let the number of workers be x

first case: amount of money = 9(x-1) + 5
2nd case: amount of money = 8x + 12

9(x-1) + 5 = 8x + 12
9x - 9 + 5 = 8x + 12
x = 16

amount of money = 9(15) + 5 OR 8(16) + 12 = $140

Martha · Answer

Ahhh thank you so much, I did 9x+5=8x+12, I didnt do x-1. Thanks for clearing this up for me.