Ann zoe and jim bought a present for ben. ann cooperated with $12 less than zoe and $16 less than jim. if the cost of the present was $154 how much did each of them contribute

Let A represent the amount Ann contributed, Z represent Zoe's contribution, and J represent Jim's contribution toward the present.

Ann (A): A

Zoe (Z): A = Z - 12 → Z = 12 + A

Jim (J): A = J - 16 → J = 16 + A

A + Z + J = 154

(A) + (12 + A) + (16 + A) = 154

3A + 28 = 154

3A = 126

A = 42

Ann (A): A = 42

Zoe (Z): Z = 12 + A = 12 + 42 = 54

Jim (J): J = 16 + A = 16 + 42 = 58

Ann=42, Zoe=54, Jim=58