Jack and Joyce?

Question

Jack and Joyce went shopping.for their annual holiday party.
They spent half their money plus $4 for a large turkey and fillet mignon.
Then, they spent half of what they had left plus $2 for salads, and then half of what was left plus $1 for desserts.
After they spent half of the remiander for paper plates, Jack and Joyce had $3 left over for emergencies.
How much did they start with?

Answer 1

72 dollars

Answer 2

the end was 3.
3x2 = 6
(6 + 1)2 = 14
(14 + 2)2= 32
(32 + 4)2 = 72

They started with $72.

Answer 3

$3 = left over

.5x = 3
x = $6 left for paper plates

.5y = 6 + 1
y = $14 left for desserts

.5z = 14 + 2
z = $32 left for salads

.5a = 32 + 4
a = $72 to start with

answer is $72

Answer 4

$72