Question

Staples sells boxes of pens ($10) and rubber bands ($5). Leona ordered a total of 24 cartons for $200. How many boxes of each did Leona order? Hint: Let P = Pens.

Answer 1

number of box of pen = 16

number of box of ribbon bands = 8

Explanation:

Let

number of boxes of pen = p

number of boxes of rubber bands = r

He ordered 24 boxes of both items. Therefore,

p + r = 24...............(i)

The total cost of what he ordered is $200 . Therefore,

10p + 5r = 200.......(ii)

combine the equations

p + r = 24...............(i)

10p + 5r = 200.......(ii)

from equation (i)

p = 24 - r

insert the value of p in equation (ii)

10(24 - r) + 5r = 200

240 - 10r + 5r = 200

240 - 200 = 5r

40 = 5r

divide both sides by 5

r = 40/5

r = 8

insert the value of r in equation(i)

p + 8 = 24

p = 24 - 8

p = 16

number of box of pen = 16

number of box of ribbon bands = 8