Answer:
Paul gets £2(9.8) = £19.6, and
Colin gets £1(9.8) = £9.8, and
Brian gets £5(9.8) = £49
Step-by-step explanation:
Find the multiplier x in 2x + 1x + 5x = £78.40.
Summing up the left side: 8x = 78.40
Dividing both sides by 8 to isolate x:
x = 9.8
Then Paul gets £2(9.8) = £19.6, and
Colin gets £1(9.8) = £9.8, and
Brian gets £5(9.8) = £49
As a check, add these together; the sum must be £78.40:
£19.6 + £9.8 + £49 = £78.40. So our figures are correct.
Brian gets £49 and Colin gets £9.8. Subtracting, we obtain:
£39.20. This is the amount by which Brian's tips exceeds Colin's.