Question

A small business sells dog harness and leashes. The harnesses sell for $7.50, and the leashes sell for $3.25. Last month, the business sold 56 items made $267

Answer 1

20 harnesses
36 leashes

Answer 2

20 harnesses

36 leashes

Explanation:

h = number of harnesses

l = number of leashes

set up two equations based on the information provided:

h + l = 56; since the number of harnesses and leashes made up the total item sold, which is 56

7.5h + 3.25l = 267; the same concept as the last step

h = 56 - l; let one of the variable stand by itself

7.5(56 - l) + 3.25l = 267; substitute the variable h into the other equation

420 - 7.5l + 3.25l = 267; solve

420 - 4.25l = 267; add common variables, remember you take the sign in front of the number when doing math

-4.25l = -153; subtract 420 from both side

l = 36; divide both side by -4.25

36 leashes were sold last month; 56 - 36 = 20, which means 20 harnesses were sold.