Question

Kristen purchased two binders that cost $1.25 each, two binders that cost $4.75 each, two packages of paper that cost $1.50 per package, four blue pens that cost $1.15 each, and four pencils that cost $.35 each. How much did she spend?

Answer 1

She spent `$21` or `$21.00`.

Explanation:

First you want to list the things she bought and the price neatly:

`2` binders`-> $1.25xx2`

`2` binders`-> $4.75xx2`

`2` packages of paper`-> $1.50xx2`

`4` blue pens`-> $1.15xx4`

`4` pencils`-> $0.35xx4`

Now we have to string it all into an equation:

`$1.25xx2+$4.75xx2+$1.50xx2+$1.15xx4+$0.35xx4`

We will solve each part (the multiplication)
`$1.25xx2=$2.50`
`$4.75xx2=$9.50`
`$1.50xx2=$3.00`
`$1.15xx4=$4.60`
`$0.35xx4=$1.40`

Add:
`$2.50+$9.50+$3.00+$4.60+$1.40=$21.00`
The answer is `$21` or `$21.00`.

Answer 2

Total cost is `$21.00`

Explanation:

If she had bought only ONE of each item you would only have to add up all the separate prices. However, as she bought more than one of the items, you have to multiply by the price of each item first an then add all of the answers together:

`2` binders @ `$1.25:" " 2 xx 1.25 = $2.50`
`2` binders @ `$4.75:" "2xx 4.75 = $9.50`
`2` packages@`$1.50:" "2xx1.50 =$3.00`
`4` pens @`$1.15:color(white)(xxx.x)4xx1.15=$4.60`
`4` pencils @`$0.35:color(white)(..xx)4xx0.35 = ul($1.40)`

`"Total cost"color(white)(xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxx)ul($21.00)`