Question

Pierre found a new store where he hopes to save

money on his supplies. He bought 4 brushes and 7
tubes of paint for $32. He has another order for 6
brushes and 8 tubes of paint that will cost $43.
What is the cost of one brush? What is the cost of
one tube of paint?

Answer 1

A brush: $4.50

A tube of paint: $2

Explanation:

Let b = brushes

Let p = paint

1) Set up equations.

4b + 7p = 32

6b + 8p = 43

2) Solve the system of equations using elimination.

(4b + 7p = 32)3

(6b + 8p = 43)2

-----------------------

12b + 21p = 96

12b + 16p = 86

----------------------

5p = 10

p = 10/5

p = 2

Substitute 2 into p of any of the two equations.

4b + 7(2) = 32

4b + 14 = 32

4b = 32 - 14

4b = 18

b = 18/4

b = 4.50

Therefore, a brush costs $4.50, while a tube of paint costs $2.