Use reasoning to lead to the answer of the following question:
James made $4000 in January. The next month he made twice as much. In March, however, James made $2000 less than in February. How much has James made so far this year?

18000
In February James made 4000 * 2 = 8000.

In March James made 8000 - 2000 = 6000.

In total for the year James has made 4000 + 8000 + 6000 = $18000.

.

Therefore, the answer is 18000