Question

Two teachers, Mr. Meehan and Mrs. Chipps, decide to buy compasses and rulers for their classrooms. Mrs. Chipps buys 30 compasses and 50 rulers for $95. Mr. Meehan buys 40 of each for $116. What are the individual costs of the compasses and rulers that were purchased? Explanation Please

Answer 1

compass = $ 2.50 each

ruler = $ 0.40 each

Explanation:

Mrs. Chipps buys 30 c + 50 r = $95

Mr. Meehan buys 40 c + 40 r = $116 x (-1.25) to eliminate r

30 c + 50 r = $ 95

-50 c - 50 r = $-145

-20 c = -50

c = 50 / 20

c = $2.5

substitute c = 2.5 into eq. 1

30 c + 50 r = $95

30 (2.5) + 50 r = 95

75 + 50 r = 95

50 r = 95 - 75

r = 20 / 50

r = 0.40

therefore, the individual costs of the compasses and rulers are:

compass = $ 2.50 each

ruler = $ 0.40 each