A compass and ruler cost $4 ruler. How much does the compass cost

Question

A compass and ruler cost $4. The compass is 20¢ more than the ruler. How much does the compass cost

Answer 1

Let x be the cost of the ruler. Then x + 20 is the cost of the compass. The two items together cost 400 cents, or $4.

 

x + (x + 20) = 400

 

2x + 20 = 400

 

2x = 380

 

x = 190

 

The ruler costs $1.90.

So, the compass costs $1.90 + $0.20 = $2.10.