Math word problem

Question

Calculator notebook and pen cost $14.  The calculator costs $9 more than the pen and $8.5 more than the notebook. How much does each item cost?

 

Answer 1

Ashley, let's make our equations first.

 

Let's let c = the cost of a calculator, n = the cost of a notebook, and p = the cost of a pen.

 

Then c + n + p = 14

 

We also know that p = c - 9 and n = c - 8.5.

 

Since you have values for p and n, both related to c, plug those into the first equation to solve for c, then use your c value to figure out the cost of the other two.