Using a system of equations, it is found that Peter had $48 at first.
A system of equations is when two or more variables are related, and equations are built to find the values of each variable.
In this problem, the variables are:
The ratio of peters money to henrys money is 4 : 3, hence:
[tex]\frac{x}{y} = \frac{4}{3}[/tex]
After Peter spent $12, they had the same amount, hence:
y = x - 12.
Then, replacing in the ratio:
[tex]\frac{x}{y} = \frac{4}{3}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{x}{x - 12} = \frac{4}{3}[/tex]
4(x - 12) = 3x
x = 48.
More can be learned about a system of equations at https://brainly.com/question/24342899
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