<PRE><B>Question 1163667</B>
&lt;br&gt;
The &quot;extra&quot; 8 sandwiches cost 8($2) = $16.&lt;br&gt;
The remaining items are equal numbers of sandwiches and floats, for a total of $156-$16 = $140.&lt;br&gt;
The cost of one sandwich and one float is $2+$3 = $5.&lt;br&gt;
The number of sandwiches and floats that must be sold to make $140 is $140/$5 = 28.&lt;br&gt;
So the number of root beer floats sold was 28. (And the number of sandwiches sold was 28+8 = 36; but the problem didn&#39;t ask for that....).&lt;br&gt;
Now compare this informal solution to the formal algebraic solution shown by the other tutor.  You will see that the calculations are virtually the same.&lt;br&gt;
That shows you that algebra is not &quot;magic&quot; -- it is just a formalization of what makes logical sense.&lt;br&gt;
So don&#39;t be afraid of the algebra; learn how to use it.  When the problems get more complicated, an informal solution might be difficult or impossible, and you will need the algebra.&lt;br&gt;
</PRE>