Final answer:
To describe the situation, we can write a system of equations using variables h and m. Solving the system will give us the values for h and m, which can be added together to determine the time it takes to knit a hat and a pair of mittens.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write a system of equations, let's assign variables to the time it takes to knit a hat and a pair of mittens. Let h represent the time to knit a hat, and m represent the time to knit a pair of mittens.
From the given information, we can form two equations:
For the first fall: 4h + 3m = 56 (4 hats and 3 pairs of mittens took a total of 56 hours)
For the second fall: 3h + 1m = 27 (3 hats and 1 pair of mittens took a total of 27 hours)
Now, we can solve this system of equations using any method, such as substitution or elimination, to find the values for h and m.
Once we have the values for h and m, we can determine how long it takes Quinn to knit a hat and a pair of mittens by adding the values of h and m together.