Question

George spent $40.80 on 3 identical files and 2 identical pencil cases. Each file cost $5.40 less than a pencil case. How much did George pay for each file?​

Answer 1

He spent $6 on each file

Explanation:

Hello,

To solve this question, we need to bring out our variables from the equation.

He spent $40.80 for 3 files and 2 pencil cases

Let x represent the file

Let y represent the pencil case

But the file is $5.40 less than each pencil case

x = y - 5.40.....equation (i)

40.80 = 3x + 2y .......equation (ii)

Substitute equation (i) into equation (ii)

40.80 = 3(y - 5.40) + 2y

40.80 = 3y - 16.20 + 2y

Collect like terms

40.80 + 16.20 = 3y + 2y

57 = 5y

Solve for y

y = 57 / 5

y = 11.4

The pencil case costs $11.4 each.

Put y = 11.4 into equation (i)

x = 11.4 - 5.40

x = 6.0

The file costs $6 each