Answer :
There are three unknowns in this problem. First, let's assign variables for these unknowns.
Let
x be the amount received by the first friend
y be the amount received by the second friend
z be the amount received by the third friend
Next, we formulate equations for the relationships
x = 4z
z = 4y
x + y + z = $231,000
Solving simultaneously,
4(4y) + y + 4y = $231,000
21y = $231,000
y = $11,000
z = 4($11,000) = $44,000
x = 4($44,000) = $176,000
Let
x be the amount received by the first friend
y be the amount received by the second friend
z be the amount received by the third friend
Next, we formulate equations for the relationships
x = 4z
z = 4y
x + y + z = $231,000
Solving simultaneously,
4(4y) + y + 4y = $231,000
21y = $231,000
y = $11,000
z = 4($11,000) = $44,000
x = 4($44,000) = $176,000
Answer: y = $11,000
z = 4($11,000) = $44,000
x = 4($44,000) = $176,000
Step-by-step explanation: