Final answer:
To find the number of bags and popcorn Piper bought, we can set up a system of equations using the given information. The first equation relates the number of candies to the number of bags of popcorn, and the second equation relates the cost of the items. Solving this system will give us the values for x (number of bags) and y (number of candies).
Step-by-step explanation:
To write a system of equations to find the number of bags and popcorn Piper bought, we can use the given information. Let's assume the number of bags of popcorn is x, and the number of candies is y.
From the question, we know that Piper bought 8 more candies than bags of popcorn. So we can write the first equation as y = x + 8.
Additionally, we know that Piper spent $59.50 on food. The cost of each bag of popcorn is $x and the cost of each candy is $1. Therefore, the cost equation can be written as x + (x + 8) = 59.50.
Thus, the system of equations to find the number of bags and popcorn Piper bought is:
x + 8 = y
x + (x + 8) = 59.50