Question 1196288
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When the two given equations are both in standard form Ax+By=C, my preference for an algebraic method for solving the problem is elimination.<br><pre>
4x+3y = 10.93
7x+2y = 13.31

Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second by -3 and add the two resulting equations; that will eliminate y:

  8x+6y =  21.86
-21x-6y = -39.93
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-13x    = -18.07

x = 18.07/13 = 1.39

Then use that in either of the original equations to find y.

4(1.39)+3y = 10.93
5.56+3y = 10.93
3y = 5.37
y = 5.37/3 = 1.79</pre>
ANSWER: The cost of a pack of pencils is $1.79<br>
(Note that, since the problem asks only for the cost of a pack of pencils, I could have solved directly for y by eliminating x; I chose to eliminate y and then solve for y because it keeps the numbers smaller....)<br>