Harry spent one third of his money on a hat, 1/6 on socks, and $12.00 on a tie. How much money did Harry spend?

3 answers

Not enough information. However, if the problem gave Harry's total amount of money, or a percentage based on the 12 dollars spent, it would be solvable. Think about how you would solve it if this information was given.
that is all the information given
Assuming he spent all his money,

x = Money he started with
1/3 x = spent on hat
1/6 x = spent on socks
12 = spent on a tie

Total spent = 1/3 x + 1/6 x + 12
Total spent = 2/6 x + 1/6 x + 12
Total spent = 3/6 x + 12

Money he started with - Total spent = 0
x - (3/6 x + 12) = 0
6/6 x - 3/6 x - 12 = 0
3/6 x - 12 = 0
3/6 x = 12
Multiply both sides by 6
3x = 72
x = 24 money he started with

1/3 x = 1/3 (24) = 8 hat
1/6 x = 1/6 (24) = 4 socks
Tie = 12
8 + 4 + 12 = 24 spent