Answer:
One notebook = $18.50
One pen= $1.10
 
18.50+1.10= $19.60
 
 
2) We must first set up an algebraic expression
 
total=15 pencils
total=9 pens
 
The total amount is the price of one pencil*15
 
To figure out one pencil:
10 pencils is $24
1 pencil is $2.40
 
Total= $36
 
9 pens = 36
Therefore 1 pen is $4
 
Explanation:
1) We need to set up an algebraic expression to solve this problem:
 
Let n= cost of a notepad
Let p= cost of a pen
 
First set up an expression for Cynthia's purchase:
 
cost of notepads*number of notepads + cost of pens*number of pens = total cost
 
n*2 + p*3 = 40.30
 
Rewrite as:
 
2n + 3p = 40.30
 
 
Next, set up an expression for Annie's purchase:
 
Here we will be using the same variables
 
Again:
 
cost of notepads*number of notepads + cost of pens*number of pens = total cost
 
n*3 + p*5 = 61
 
Rewrite as:
 
3n + 5p =61
 
 
Now, set up a system of equations:
 
 
2n + 3p = 40.30
3n + 5p =61
 
A system of equations can be solved several ways, here I will use the addition/elimination method
 
For this method one of the variables must be able to be eliminated
 
Step 1: Pick a variable to eliminate
 
Here I will eliminate n
 
Step 2: make the selected variables in the equations equal and opposite so that they cancel out when the equations are added together
 
(2n + 3p = 40.30)(-3)
(3n + 5p =61)(2)
 
-6n - 9p = -120.90
6n + 10p = 122
 
Step 3: add vertically
 
-6n - 9p = -120.90
6n + 10p = 122
 p = 1.10
 
Step 4: Figure out the other variable by inputting the answer you just got back into the original equation
 
2n + 3(1.10) = 40.30
2n + 3.30 = 40.30
 -3.30 37
 2n = 37
 /2 /2
 n = 18.5