Question

Write a system of equations to describe the situation below, solve using elimination, and fill in the blanks.

Kimberly is using ribbon to create girls' hair barrettes. For a craft fair in Rockport, she made 13 small barrettes and 11 large barrettes, using a total of 142 yards of ribbon. Then, for another craft fair in Westminster, she made 13 small barrettes and 12 large barrettes, which used a total of 149 yards. How many yards of ribbon does Kimberly use for each?

Answer 1

Explanation:

x = small barrettes

y = large barrettes

13x + 11y = 142.......multiply by -1

13x + 12y = 149

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-13x - 11y = -142 (result of multiplying by -1)

13x + 12y = 149

------------------------add

y = 7..........large barrettes used 7 yards

13x + 11y = 142

13x + 11(7) = 142

13x + 77 = 142

13x = 142 - 77

13x = 65

x = 65/13

x = 5........small barrettes used 5 yards