A woman spent two-thirds of her money.
She lost two-thirds of the remainder and then had $4 left.

With how much money did she start?


Solution to the Problem:

The woman started with $36.

Let x = amount of money with which she started.
Then after spending 2/3 of her money, she has 1/3 x left.
After losing 2/3 of that amount (2/3 times 1/3 x), she has (1/3 x) - (2/9 x) = 1/9 x left.
Set 1/9 x = 4 and you get $36.


Correctly solved by:

1. Hari Kishan Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Colin (Yowie) Bowey Beechworth, Victoria, Australia
3. Veena Mg Bangalore, Karnataka, India
4. Kelly Stubblefield Mobile, Alabama