Algebraic Word Problem

Question

Brianna bought 3 bath towels and returned 2 hand towels. Her bill was $11. Camila bought 2 bath towels and 2 hand towels. Her bill was $14. What are the prices of bath towels and hand towels?

Answer 1

Hi Carol,

 

Let's let B be the price of a bath towel and H be the price of a hand towel.

 

Then we can form two equations:

 

1. 3B - 2H = $11

2. 2B +2H = $14

 

adding equation 1 to equation 2 yields

 

5B = $25 or B = $5

 

rearranging equation 1 to solve for H yields H = (3B-$11)/2

H = (15-11)/2 = $2

 

Therefore the price of a bath towel is $5 and the price of a hand towel is $2

 

Hope this helps.