In the Johnsons' monthly budget, the dollar amounts allocated to household expenses, food, and miscellaneous items are in the ratio 5:2:2, respectively. If the total amount allocated to these three categories is $1,800, what is the amount allocated to food? Choose the correct choice from the following answers
A) $900
B) $720
C) $675
D) $400
E) $225
To solve this question, it will be best to first express the given ratio using variable multipliers. Thus, we have:   Household Expenses : Food : Miscellaneous = 5x : 2x : 2x   Since we are told that the TOTAL amount allocated to these categories is $1,800 we can set up the equation:   5x + 2x + 2x = 1,800   9x = 1,800   x = 200   Thus, the total amount allocated to food is 2 x 200= $400.   Answer $400.
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In the Johnsons' monthly budget, the dollar amounts allocated to household expenses, food, and miscellaneous items are in the ratio 5:2:2, respectively. If the total amount allocated to these three categories is $1,800, what is the amount allocated to food?