Thorvald had some money at first. He spent 25% of his money on a
backpack and half of the rest of his money on a T-shirt. He had $33 left. How much money did he have at first?
total at first --- x
spent 25%, so he has (3/4)x left
spent 1/2 of that , so he has (1/2) of (3/4)x left = (3/8)x left
(3/8)x = 33
x = 88
check:
1/4 of 88 = 22, so he has 66 left
then he spends half that, or he spends 33 of the 66, leaving him with 33
my answer of 88 is correct