Question

Two teachers, Mr. Meehan and Mrs. Chipps, decide to buy compasses and rulers for their classrooms. Mrs. Chipps buys 30 compasses and 50 rulers for $95. Mr. Meehan buys 40 of each for $116. What are the individual costs of the compasses and rulers that were purchased? Explanation Please

Answer 1

Answer:

compass = $ 2.50 each

ruler        = $ 0.40 each

Step-by-step explanation:

Mrs. Chipps buys 30 c + 50 r = $95

Mr. Meehan buys 40 c + 40 r = $116    x (-1.25) to eliminate r

                             30 c + 50 r = $ 95

                            -50 c - 50 r  = $-145

                            -20 c             =  -50

                                               c = 50 / 20

                                               c = $2.5

substitute c = 2.5 into eq. 1

30 c + 50 r = $95

30 (2.5) + 50 r = 95

75 + 50 r = 95

50 r = 95 - 75

r = 20 / 50

r = 0.40

therefore, the individual costs of the compasses and rulers are:

compass = $ 2.50 each

ruler        = $ 0.40 each