Marcia, Maureen, and Mario want to buy a $132 present for Sarah. Maureen is paying one half of Marcia's quantity, and Mario, one third of Marcia's quantity. Luckily for them the item has an 18% discount How much is Mario paying?

$19.68

Step-by-step explanation:

this is not really clearly defined.

I assume it means that they are buying the item, no matter how much it costs, and that the split ratio between them also remains the same no matter the actual cost.

x = what Marcia is paying

and 132 - 18% = 132 × (100 - 18) / 100 = 132×0.82 = 108.24

so,

x + x/2 + x/3 = 108.24

6x + 3x + 2x = 649.44

11x = 649.44

x = $59.04

Mario's part is x/3 = 59.04/3 = $19.68