Mary spent 20% of her money and an additional $8 on a magazine. She spent 30% of the remaining money and an additional $5 on a dress. Given that she w

[mathiejoyce]

Mary spent 20% of her money and an additional $8 on a magazine. She spent 30% of the remaining money and an additional $5 on a dress. Given that she was left with $205, how much money did she have at first?

 

[Steven G]

Please understand that this is a math help site and not a homework service site. Please read the posting guidelines and post back following those guidelines. Mainly you have to show us your attempt at solving this problem so the helpers here know what type of help you need.

 

[Dr.Peterson]

Mary spent 20% of her money and an additional $8 on a magazine. She spent 30% of the remaining money and an additional $5 on a dress. Given that she was left with $205, how much money did she have at first?

You put this under arithmetic; does that imply that you can't use algebra, or just that you assume percent problems are part of arithmetic? This is part of the reason we ask to see your attempt, or at least your thoughts, about a problem, so we can guess what approach will work for you.

I would most naturally use basic algebra. I'd start by defining x = the amount of money she had at first, and writing an expression, step by step, for the amount she has left after each transaction.