SOLUTION: Katie went school shopping and bought penicals, a notebook, and a tote bag. The pens were $2 less than the notebook and the tote bag was $7 more than three times the cost of the no

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Katie went school shopping and bought penicals, a notebook, and a tote bag. The pens were $2 less than the notebook and the tote bag was $7 more than three times the cost of the no      Log On


   

Question 1100990: Katie went school shopping and bought penicals, a notebook, and a tote bag. The pens were $2 less than the notebook and the tote bag was $7 more than three times the cost of the notebook. If Katie spends $30 before tax. How much did each item cost?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39631) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Change the description to ... and bought A PEN, a notebook, ...

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The pens were $2 less than the notebook and the tote bag was $7 more than three times the cost of the notebook. If Katie spends $30 before tax.
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Let n be price of a notebook. 
Item           PRICE
PENS            n-2
TOTE BAG        3n+7
NOTEBOOK        n

Just one equation in one unknown is needed.
Katie spent $30.
1 pencil
1 notebook
1 tote bag
-
%28n-2%29%2B%283n%2B7%29%2Bn=30

5n-2%2B7=30
5n%2B5=30
n%2B1=6
highlight%28n=5%29------price for one notebook.

Use that to find the other two prices.