Question

Hugh bought some magazines that cost $3.95 each and some books that cost $8.95 each. He spent a total of $47.65. If Hugh bought 3 magazines, how many books did he buy?
The equation that models the problem is 3.95m + 8.95b = 47.65, where m is the number of magazines and b is the number of books.

books

Answer 1

Books Bought (b): 4

Multiply $3.95 by 3 (m) to get the product $11.85 (the total amount spend on magazines)

Subtract that product from $47.65 (the total amount spent) to get the value $35.80 (the total amount spent on books)

Since $35.80 = $8.95 * b, divide $35.80 by $8.95 to get the value 4, the variable "b" (the total amount of books bought)