Let Y be the number of compact cars and 20 - Y be the number of full-sized car. If the total cost of 20 cars is $372, 000. Then we have: (Cost of compact car * number of compact car)+ (cost of full-sized car * number of full-sized car). So we have (15, 000 * Y) + (23, 000 * (20 -Y)) = 372, 000. Multiplying the expression, we have; 15, 000Y + 460, 000 - 23000Y = 372, 000. 15000Y - 23000Y = 372, 000 - 460, 000. -8000Y = - 88, 000. Hence Y = 11. Hence 11 compact cars were bought.