How many birds were at the shelter on Monday?

Question

An animal shelter spends $4.50 per day to care for each bird and $8.50 per day to care for each cat. Dominic noticed that the shelter spent $175.00 caring for birds and cats on Monday. Dominic found a record showing that there were a total of 22 birds and cats on Monday.

Answer 1

Let x = the number of birds

Let y = the number of cats

x + y = 22    x = 22 - y

4.50x + 8.50y = 175 

4.50(22 - y) + 8.50y = 175

99 - 4.50y + 8.50y = 175

4y = 76

y = 19 cats

x = 22 - y = 22 - 19

y = 3 cats