Let's rephrase the problem:
Trey saved x money. He earned $40 mowing lawns, bringing his total money to (x + 40). His parents double that amount, so he has (x + 40) + (x + 40), or 2(x + 40). That amount is equal to $234. So you can make the equation;
[tex]2(x+40)=234\\
Solve\\
x+40=117\\
x=77[/tex]
So he saved $77 before he mowed the lawns.
I'm not sure exactly what they meant by comparing the two, but I hope this really helps :D