Question

T a linen sale Mrs. Earle bought twice as many pillowcases for $2 each as sheets for $5 each. If she spent less than $40, not including tax, what is the maximum number of pillowcases she could have purchased?

Answer 1

8

Explanation:

x = pillow = 2y according the equation

y = sheets

2x+5y=40

2(2y)+5y=40

9y= 40

y = 4.4

2x + 5(4.4)=40

2x+22=40

2x=18

x= 9

she should spend less than 40 so

first we can substitute the x and y values

2(9)+ 5(4.4) =40

40 =40

we have to make less than

so, 2(8)+5(4.4) <40

38 < 40

x = 9

y = 4.4

Answer 2

For this case, the first thing we must do is define variables:
x: number of pillowcases
y: number of sheets
We now write the system of equations:
2x + 5y = 40
x = 2y
Solving the system we have:
x = 8.9
y = 4.4
Answer:
The maximum number of pillowcases she could have purchased is:
x = 8 (spent less than $ 40)