Ann Zoe and Jim bought a present for ben. Ann cooperated with $12 less than Zoe and $16 less than Jim. If the cost of the present was $154 how much did each of them contribute

Let A represent the amount Ann contributed, Z represent Zoe's contribution, and J represent Jim's contribution toward the present.

Ann (A) : A

Zoe (Z) : A = Z - 12 → Z = 12 + A

Jim (J) : A = J - 16 → J = 16 + A

A + Z + J = 154

(A) + (12 + A) + (16 + A) = 154

3A + 28 = 154

3A = 126

A = 42

Ann (A) : A = 42

Zoe (Z) : Z = 12 + A = 12 + 42 = 54

Jim (J) : J = 16 + A = 16 + 42 = 58

Answer: Ann=42, Zoe=54, Jim=58