Lois has \(x\) dollars more than Jim has, and together they have a total of \(y\) dollars. Which of the following repres

[Vincen]

Lois has \(x\) dollars more than Jim has, and together they have a total of \(y\) dollars. Which of the following represents the number of dollars that Jim has?

(A) \(\dfrac{y - x}2\)

(B) \(y - \dfrac{x}2\)

(C) \(\dfrac{y}2 - x\)

(D) \(2y - x\)

(E) \(y - 2x\)

Answer: A

Source: Official Guide

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Lois has \(x\) dollars more than Jim has, and together they have a total of \(y\) dollars. Which of the following represents the number of dollars that Jim has?

(A) \(\dfrac{y - x}2\)

(B) \(y - \dfrac{x}2\)

(C) \(\dfrac{y}2 - x\)

(D) \(2y - x\)

(E) \(y - 2x\)

Answer: A

Source: Official Guide

Let J = number of dollars that Jim has

Lois has x dollars more than Jim has
So, J + x = number of dollars that Lois has

Together they have a total of y dollars
So, (Jim's $) + (Lois' $) = y
Or: J + (J+x) = y
Simplify: 2J + x = y

Which of the following represents the number of dollars that Jim has?
Solve 2J + x = y for J
Subtract x from both sides to get: 2J = y - x
Divide both sides by 2 to get: (y-x)/2

Answer: A

Cheers,
Brent