Answer:
5 hardcover and 3 paperback books
Explanation:
h=hardcover books
p=paperback books
h + p = 8 ==> since the number of hardcover and paperback books add up
to 8 total books
4h + 2p = 26 ==> since the cost of each hardcover book is $4 and
the cost of each paperback book is $2, and the
total cost of all 8 books bought is $26
(h + p = 8) * 2 ==> multiply the equation by 2 to get 2p from p.
2h + 2p = 16 ==> simplify
4h + 2p = 26
- (2h + 2p = 16)
4h-2h + 2p-2p = 26-16 ==> subtract the two equations to isolate h
2h + 0 = 10 ==> simplify
2h = 10
h = 5 ==> divide both sides by 2
5 + p = 8 ==> substitute h=5 into the equation h + p = 8
p = 3 ==> subtract 5 on both sides to isolate p
Hence, 5 hardcover and 3 paperback books were sold.