Illustration of the Model Method
Al has 5 times as much money as Joe.
Al spent $115 and Joe spent $15 on gifts. Now they each has an equal amount of money left.
How much money did Al have at first?
Start of Solution
(1) Let's show what Joe had at first.
(2) If Joe has one unit,
how many units do you think Al would have at first?
(3) Let's show what Al did with his money?
(4) Now, let's see what Joe did with his money?
4 units represent $115 - $15 = $100.
1 unit represents $100 ÷ 4 = $25.
∴ Al had 5 units x $25 = $125 at first.