Alfred spent $\frac{1}{4}$ of his money on food, $\frac{1}{3}$ on clothing and save the rest. If he saved N72000.00, how much did he spend on food?

Analyze the question: Alfred spends fractions of his money on food and clothing, and saves the rest. We know the savings, so we find his total money first, then the amount spent on food.

Concept: Total money = 1 (whole). Savings = 1 − (fraction spent).

Step 1: Fraction spent 1/4 + 1/3 = 3/12 + 4/12 = 7/12

Step 2: Fraction saved 1 − 7/12 = 5/12

Step 3: Find total money 5/12 of total = N72,000 Total = 72,000 × 12/5 = N172,800

Step 4: Money spent on food 1/4 × 172,800 = N43,200

Check:

• Clothing: 1/3 × 172,800 = 57,600
• Food: 43,200
• Savings: 172,800 − 43,200 − 57,600 = 72,000 ✓

Answer: Option A, N43,200.00.

Tip: In "fraction of the whole" problems, always find the fraction left over first, then use it to get the total. Check by adding all the parts back together to confirm they equal the total.