Answer:
Let the cost of hiring diving equipment be X
Given,
cost of hiring diving equipment=X
cost of hiring wet suit =1/3 of X
Total cost of both =$144
Now,
X+1/3X=$144
or, (3X+X)/3=$144 ( taking l.c.m.)
or, 4X/3=$144
or, 4X=$144*3
or, X=$432/4
or, X=$108
Therefore, he paid $36 which is 1/3 of x to hire wetsuit.