Question 1194256
<br>
The information in this problem makes it easier to solve using a non-standard algebraic method.<br>
(1) 7p+6c = 30.2
(2) 6p+5c = 25.7<br>
Subtract the (2) from (1):<br>
(3) p+c = 4.5<br>
Multiply that by 5:<br>
(4) 5p+5c = 22.5<br>
Subtract (4) from (2):<br>
(5) p = 25.7-22.5 = 3.2<br>
Subtract (5) from (3):<br>
(6) c = 1.3<br>
ANSWERS:
pencil: 3.2 inches
crayon: 1.3 inches<br>
Note that formal algebraic solution corresponds to the following solution using common sense:<br>
7 pencils and 6 crayons have a total length of 30.2 inches
6 pencils and 5 crayons have a total length of 25.7 inches
therefore, 1 pencil and 1 crayon have a total length of 30.2-25.7 = 4.5 inches
therefore, 5 pencils and 5 crayons have a total length of 5*4.5 = 22.5 inches
therefore, 1 pencil has a length of 25.7-22.5 = 3.2 inches
therefore, 1 crayon has a length of 4.5-3.2 = 1.3 inches<br>