Hello from MrBillDoesMath!
Answer:
$3.25
Discussion:
Money spent = paperback's purchased + hardback's covered =
3 (0.25) + 5 (0.50) =
0.75 + 2.50 = $3.25
Regards,
MrB
P.S. I'll be on vacation from Friday, Dec 22 to Jan 2, 2019. Have a Great New Year!