Answer:
cost of handcover book = $4
Step-by-step explanation:
LEt x be the cost of hardcover books and y be the cost of paperback books.
Nate bought 3 hardcover books and 7 paperback books and spent $29.50.
3x +7y= 29.50 --------------equation 1
Tia bought 2 hardcover books and 5 paperback books and spent $20.50.
2x+5y= 20.50 ---------------equation 2
multiply the first equation by 2 and second equation by -3
6x +14y = 59
-6x - 15y = -61.5
-------------------------
-1y = -2.5
Divide both sides by -1
y= 2.5
2x+5y= 20.50
2x + 5(2.5)= 20.50
2x + 12.5 = 20.50
Subtract 12.5 on both sides
2x= 8
x= 4
So cost of handcover book = $4
