They started equal. Ham gained $1600 and Jam lost $750, so Ham is now $1600 + $750 = $2350 ahead. Ham now = 2 units, Jam now = 1 unit, so that 1-unit gap is $2350.

Jam now1Ham now11gap = 1600 + 750 = $2350

Plain numbers are given; italic underlined numbers are worked out.

  1. Ham ahead now → $1600 + $750 = $2350
  2. Ham − Jam = 1 unit → $2350, so Jam now = $2350
  3. Each at first → $2350 + $750 = $3100

Each of them had $3100 at first.

Check: Ham $3100+$1600=$4700, Jam $3100−$750=$2350, and $4700 = 2 × $2350. ✓