Awhile back, either james borrowed $12 from his friend rita or she borrowed $12 from him, but he can’t quite remember which. either way, he is planning to pay her back or ask that she pay him back this afternoon. if he has $42.80 in his wallet, which equation represents the amounts of money he may have after he sees rita?

To answer the question let x be the amount of money James will have after he sees Rita. If it was him who owed Rita $12 and he intent to pay, he will have $42.80 - $12 after seeing her. However, if it was Rita who owed him the amount, the money he will have after seeing her will be $42.80 + $12. Thus, the equations are,
                      x = 42.80 - 12          and           x = 42.80 + 12