Solving without using Algebra?

Question:hi all, this question is actually in one of the exam practise papers for my younger brother who's only 9. I don't know if i should be worried but i came up with the answer (320) using a 6-step long algebraic method.
As i am tutoring him, do any of you guys know an easier, simpler, way to solve it so i can help him understand better? He HASN'T LEARNT algebra yet.

Here's the question:
"After Denis spent $160 of his pocket money on food, and 3/4 of the remaining money to pay his mobile phone bill, he had 1/8 of his total pocket money left. How much pocket money did Denis have at first?"

Thank you so much! Also just out of curiosity, does anyone else think this maths problem isn't so easy for a 9 year old? (or am i just a little daft?)

Answers:
What are they teaching 9 year olds?? We didn't have anything like that when I was 9 and I was in the above average math class. Of course I'd also like to know where this "Denis" person went to eat because $160 on food is WAY TOO MUCH!! The more I've thought about it, the more I have a hard time trying to figure out an answer that's non-algebraic. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
i cant think of a non algeabric method, but i do think that this problem is not exactly right for a 9 year old.

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