Marcia has $84 less than three times as much as sue. together they have $132. how much money does marcia have?

Let x = sue

and then let 3x-84 = marcia

therefore

(x) + (3x-84) = 132

4x-84=132

4x=216

x=54

however just solving for x doesnt completely solve. it only shows sues money because x = sue

for marcia

3x-84

3 (54) - 84

162-84

78

therefore Marcia has 78$.