Question: John buys twice as many red ties as blue ties.  The red ties cost 50% more than blue ties.  He spent $200 on blue ties that cost $40 each. How much did he spend on ties?
Answer: 
He bought 200 / 40 = 5 blue ties
So he bought 5 * 2 = 10 red ties
Each red tie cost $40 * .5 = $20 more than blue ties
So they each cost $40 + $20 = $60
So he spent $60 * 10 = $600 on red ties
So he spent $200 + $600 = $800 on ties