Allan, Bernice, Candice and Derrick shared the cost of a present. The amount Allan paid is 1/14 of the total amount Bernice and Candice paid. The amount Bernice paid is 1/4 of the total amount Candice and Derrick paid. The amount Derrick paid is twice the amount Candice paid. Given that Candice paid $63 more than Allan, how much was the cost of the present?
..
a = (b+c)/14
b = (c+d)/4
d = 2c
c = a+63
solve, and you get
a+b+c+d = 279