Michael had 80% more money than Alvin. Vanesa had 40% less than Alvin. Michael and Alvin gave Vanessa some money in the ratio of 3:2, respectively. In the end, Vanessa had twice as much money as before. Given that Michael had 4 more than Vanessa in the end, how much money did each of them have at first? This one is tricky. Michael = x + 0.80. Vanessa = (x + 0.80) - 0.40 I then see the following sentence in the paragraph: "Michael and Alvin gave Vanessa some money in the ratio of 3:2, respectively." This threw me in for a loop. I don't know how to input this information into the equation I am trying to make. The problem continues with the following words: "In the end, Vanessa had twice as much money as before." By now, I am totally lost. Here comes the question: "Given that Michael had 4 more than Vanessa in the end, how much money did each of them have at first?" Let x = amount of money each had at the start. I need help setting up the right equation. I decided to break it down piece by piece to demonstrate my inability to form the needed equation from the given words in the problem. You say?