Answer:
Patricia spent $24 on presents, while Donald spent $12 and Carl spent $36.
Step-by-step explanation:
The problem is to solve how much money each person spent on presents in the year, through a series of equivalences. In order to determine how much money each one spent, the following equation must be proposed:
Patricia = X
Donald = 1 / 2X
Carl = 3/2 X
X + 1 / 2X + 3 / 2X = 72
1X + 0.5 X + 1.5 X = 72
3X = 72
X = 72/3
X = 24
Thus, Patricia spent $ 24 on presents, while Donald spent $ 12 (2/24) and Carl spent $ 36 (1.5 x 24).
