School plans to spend twice as much as they did for the winter dance last year, less of the disco ball which was $150 since they have it from last year. A total of $1500 is being spent this year. Write an equation to determine the amount spent last year.
Let's assume the amount spent last year for the winter dance is represented by "x".
According to the given information, the school plans to spend twice as much as they did last year, so the amount spent this year is 2x.
They also spent $150 less for the disco ball this year, so the amount spent on other items is 2x - 150.
Adding up the amount spent on other items and the cost of the disco ball gives the total amount spent this year, which is $1500.
Therefore, the equation to determine the amount spent last year is:
x + 2x - 150 = 1500