Problema Solution

Barry bought a book, a magazine and a pen for a total of $14.75 before tax. The book was 4 times as expensive as the magazine, and the pen was $5.50 less than the book. What was the price of the book?

Answer provided by our tutors

let


b = the price of the book

m = the price of the magazine

p = the price of the pen


Barry bought a book, a magazine and a pen for a total of $14.75 before tax


p + b + m = 14.75


the book was 4 times as expensive as the magazine


b = 4m


the pen was $5.50 less than the book


p = b - 5.50


by solving the system of equations


p + b + m = 14.75

b = 4m

p = b - 5.50


we find


p = $3.5


b = $9


m = $2.25


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the pen is $3.5.

the book is $9.

the magazine is $2.25.