Question #2e901

1 Answer
Jan 9, 2018

S=7.5
P=18.5

Explanation:

First, convert the word problem into a system of equations:
The variable S stands for the price of one shirt.
The variable P stands for the price of one pair of pants.
4S+3P=$85.50
3S+5P=$115.00

Then, solve the system using either substitution or subtraction(I am using subtraction):

Subtraction:
1) Choose a variable(I chose S) and multiply both sides of both equations to reach the least common multiple:
(4S+3P=$85.50)3=(12S+9P=256.5)
(3S+5P=$115.00)4=(12S+20P=460)
2) Subtract the equations to eliminate the variable you chose. Solve:
12S+20P=460
12S+9P=256.5
__-_______
11P=203.5
P=18.5
3) Plug in to find the other variable:
4S+3(18.5)=85.5
4S+55.5=85.5
4S=30
S=7.5