Puzzle #1
Harper, Mason, Quinn, and Riley spent $200 in total on Christmas presents.
If Harper and Mason together spent $75, and Harper and Quinn together spent $110,
How much more money did Riley spend than Harper?
See Answer:
Answer: Riley spent $15 more than Harper.
Explanation:
Let:
- Harper = H
- Mason = M
- Quinn = Q
- Riley = R
Total: H + M + Q + R = $200
Given:
- H + M = $75
- H + Q = $110
Subtract the two:
(H + Q) − (H + M) = 110 − 75
Q − M = $35
Now find H:
From H + M = 75 → M = 75 − H
From H + Q = 110 → Q = 110 − H
Total equation:
H + (75 − H) + (110 − H) + R = 200
185 − H + R = 200
R = 200 − 185 + H
R = 15 + H
Difference (R − H):
R − H = (15 + H) − H = $15