Rachael bought 12 pencils and 7 markers for $5.36, and later bought 8 pencils and 5 markers for $3.68. Find the cost of each pencil and marker.

Answer 1

Let x = cost of pencils and y = cost of markers.

12x + 7y = 5.36
8x + 5y = 3.68

Multiply second equation by 1.5.

12x + 7.5y = 5.52

Subtract first equation from modified second equation.

.5y = .16

y = .32

Insert value of y into either equation to find x. Then put both values in the other equation to check your answers.