SOLUTION: Hi I have this word problem I need help on figuring out the formula to use. the problem reads. A skirt and a blouse together cost $75. The skirt costs $15 more than the blouse.

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations -> SOLUTION: Hi I have this word problem I need help on figuring out the formula to use. the problem reads. A skirt and a blouse together cost $75. The skirt costs $15 more than the blouse.       Log On


   

Question 254227: Hi I have this word problem I need help on figuring out the formula to use. the problem reads.
A skirt and a blouse together cost $75. The skirt costs $15 more than the blouse. What is the cost of the skirt? What is the cost of the blouse?
I would greatly appreciate your help on this problem Thank you
Scott
Found 2 solutions by richwmiller, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
s+b=75
s=15+b

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let s=cost of skirt, b=cost of blouse


Since "A skirt and a blouse together cost $75", we know that s%2Bb=75. Also, because "The skirt costs $15 more than the blouse", we can say that s=b%2B15


s%2Bb=75 Start with the first equation.


b%2B15%2Bb=75 Plug in s=b%2B15


2b%2B15=75 Combine like terms on the left side.


2b=75-15 Subtract 15 from both sides.


2b=60 Combine like terms on the right side.


b=%2860%29%2F%282%29 Divide both sides by 2 to isolate b.


b=30 Reduce.


s=b%2B15 Go back to the second equation.


s=30%2B15 Plug in b=30


s=45 Add


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Answer:

So the solutions are b=30 and s=45 which means that the blouse costs $30 and the skirt costs $45


Take note that the skirt is $15 more than the blouse and that 30+45=75. So our answer is verified.