John spent 3 years of his life exploring the jungle. He then spent half as much time writing up notes about his travels. It took .5 years to write his book once he was done with the notes. How long did he spend on his book and exploring? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. He spent 3 * .5 = 1.5 years compiling notes. So it took him 3 + 1.5 + .5 = 5 years for everything.. The answer is: 5.

Tina's classroom has the same amount of students as Maura's. Zack's classroom has half the amount of total students between Tina and Maura's classrooms. How many students are there in total between the 3 classrooms if when Zack was sick there were 22 students in his class? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. If Zack's classroom had 22 students when he was absent, then the total students in his class are 22 + 1 = 23. If Tina's classroom has as many students as Maura's then T = M. If Zack's classroom has half the amount of total students between Tina and Maura's classrooms then 23 = 1 / 2 * (T + M ). 23 = 1 / 2 * (T + M). We know from above that T = M, therefore 23 = (1 / 2) * (M + M) or 23 = (1 / 2) * 2M. 23 = M. Because T = M, then T is also T = 23. Between the three classes then we have a total of T + M + Z or 23 + 23 + 23 = 69.. The answer is: 69.

Todd bought a pair of jeans that cost $125 at full price. The jeans were on sale for 20% off. He then applied a coupon that took off $10. He paid with a store credit card that gave him another 10% off the remaining amount. How many dollars did he save on the original price of the jeans? Give the rationale and then the answer.
Let's think step by step. The jeans were on sale for 20% = 20 / 100 = 1 / 5 off, so the sale took 125 / 5 = $25 off. Thus, after the sale, the jeans cost $125 - $25 = $100. Todd’s coupon lowered the price to $100 - $10 = $90. The store credit card gave him 10% = 10 / 100 = 1 / 10 off, so the card took $90 / 10 = $9 off. Thus, he paid $90 - $9 = $81 for the jeans. Therefore, Todd saved $125 - $81 = $44 on the original price of the jeans.. The answer is: 44.