Anita = 1 unit, Hazel = 3 units. After Anita adds $55 and Hazel adds $17 the two bars are equal in length.

Anita1+$55Hazel111+$17both end equal

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

  1. 1 unit + $55 = 3 units + $17 (equal ends)
  2. $55 − $17 → 2 units
  3. 2 units → $38
  4. 1 unit → $38 ÷ 2 = $19 (Anita at first)
  5. Hazel at first → 3 units = 3 × $19 = $57

Hazel saved $57 at first (Anita saved $19).

Check: $19 + $55 = $74 and $57 + $17 = $74 — equal. ✓