Question 1195948
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One formal algebraic method for solving....<br>
x = # of $50 gifts
24-x = # of $35 gifts<br>
The total cost was $990:<br>
{{{50(x)+35(24-x)=990}}}
{{{50x+840-35x=990}}}
{{{15x=150}}}
{{{x=10}}}<br>
ANSWER: x=10 $50 gifts; 24-x=14 $35 gifts<br>
CHECK: 10(50)+14(35) = 500+490 = 990<br>
A very different, less formal approach, using logical reasoning instead of formal algebra....<br>
24 gifts all at $35 would cost $840; 24 all at $50 would cost $1200.
Consider the three costs 840, 990, and 1200 on a number line and observe/calculate that 990 is 150/360 = 5/12 of the way from 840 to 1200.
That means 5/12 of the 24 gifts, or 10 gifts, were the $50 gifts, making the number of $35 gifts 24-10 = 14.<br>
ANSWER (again): 10 $50 gifts, 14 $35 gifts<br>
The second question in your post is not math; I leave it to you to find a reasonable answer.<br>