John’s mother gave him some money to buy some brushes. If he bought 7 brushes, he would need $2 more. If he bought 10 brushes, he would need $26 more. How much did John have?

$26 - $2 = $24

10 - 7 = 3

3 brushes —> $24

1 brush —> $24 / $3 = $8

7 brushes —> 7 * $8 = $56

$56 - $2 = $54

John had $54.