Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Let n = cost of 1 notebook
Let p = cost of 1 pencil
Then,
3n + 4p = 8.5
5n + 8p = 14.5
You can solve for one variable in terms of the other and then substitute into the remaining equation.
3n + 4p = 8.5
+ 5n + 8p = 14.5
Multiply the top equation by -2 so that the p-containing terms cancel each other out:
-2(3n + 4p = 8.5)
+ 5n + 8p = 14.5
-n + 0 = -2.5
So after dividing both sides by -1, we see that n = $2.5. Plugging into the first equation gives p = $0.25.
3n + 4p = 8.5
5n + 8p = 14.5