My question is: Alexis is applying for a new job and bought a new set of business clothes to wear to the interview. She went to a department store with a budget of $200 and spent $30 on a button-up shirt, $46 on suit pants, $38 on a suit coat, $11 on socks, and $18 on a belt. She also purchased a pair of shoes, but lost the receipt for them. She has $16 left from her budget. How much did Alexis pay for the shoes? Your thoughts:
Let S be the amount Alexis paid for the shoes. She spent S + 30 + 46 + 38 + 11 + 18 = S + 143. She used all but $16 of her budget, so S + 143 = 200 - 16 = 184. Thus, Alexis paid S = 184 - 143 = $41 for the shoes. The final answer: 41.