Question

at an office supply store pens are $1.69 per dozen and note pads are $4.59 per dozen . can Shirley buy 108 pens and 108 note pads for $50 explain your reasoning

Answer 1

If 1 dozen = 12 pens cost $1.69, then 1 pen costs
`(\$1,69)/(12).`

If 1 dozen = 12 pads cost $4.59, then 1 pad costs
`(\$4.59)/(12).`

If Shirley buys 108 pens, she will pay
`108\cdot (\$1,69)/(12)=\$15.21` for them.

If she buys 108 pads, she will pay
`108\cdot (\$4.59)/(12)=\$41.31` for them.

In total she will pay $15.21+$41.31=$56.52. This sum is greater than $50, so she cannot buy 108 pens and 108 pads.