Money word problem

Hilary has three times as much money as Paul. Jeff has $4 dollars less than Hilary and $5 more than Paul.  How much does each have? 

x = amount Paul has
3x = amount Hilary has   {Hillary has three times Paul}
3x - 4 = Jeff's amount   {Jeff has 4 less than Hilary}
x + 5 = Jeff's amount   {Jeff has 5 more than Paul} 

3x - 4 = x + 5   {Jeff's two amounts are equal to each other}
3x = x + 9   {added 4 to each side}
2x = 9   {subtracted x from each side}
x = 4.5   {divided each side by 2} 

3x = 13.5   {substituted 4.5, in for x, into 3x}
x + 5 = 9.5   {substituted 4.5, in for x, into x + 5} 

Paul has $4.50
Hilary has $13.50
Jeff has $9.50

- Algebra House