>So if we follow the spirit of the puzzle, why should you have paid for all the beer?
>

I didn't pay for all beer, since they already bought it for thier money... I just gave my share...

>>We don't need to assume anything. We have 8 bottles, so each of us drank 8/3.
>>John gave 5 and drank 8/3, so 7/3 is the difference
>>Bill gave 3 and drank 8/3, so 1/3 is the difference.
>>So, they should divide the money in proportion 7:1
>>
>>
>>>If we assume 1$ a beer. If it is !.50 a beer, then you didn't pay enough. Hence the x in my answer.
>>>
>>>>>>John brought 5 bottles of beer, Bill brought 3 bottles, when I came. So, we drank this beer together and then I gave them $8 (all I had at this moment). How should they divide this sum?
>>>>>
>>>>>$7 for John, / $1 for Bill.
>>>>
>>>>And * for you :)