Question

Hugh bought some magazines that cost $3.95 each and some books that cost $8.95 each. He spent a total of $47.65. If Hugh bought 3 magazines, how many books did he buy?

The equation that models the problem is 3.95m + 8.95b = 47.65, where m is the number of magazines and b is the number of books

Answer 1

3.95(3) + 8.95=47.65
11.85+8.95=47.65

subtract 11.95 from both sides

8.95b=35.8

divide 8.95 from both sides

b=4

Hugh Bought 4 Books

Answer 2

3.95m + 8.95b = 47.65 ; bought 3 magazines so m = 3

substitute m = 3 into the equation above

3.95 (3) + 8.95b = 47.65

11.85 + 8.95b = 47.65
8.95b = 47.65 - 11.85
8.95b = 35.8
b = 35.8 / 8.95
b = 4

answer: Hugh bought 4 books