I need help with a math word problem?

Question

Two copies of the same hardcover book cost $118. Sally bought 3  of the hardcover books and 2 of the paperback books for $317. Find the cost for each type of book.

Answer 1

cost of the hardcover book = 118 / 2 = 59.

set cost of the paperback book = x,

we have: 3*59 + 2x = 317, solve for x.

we have x = 70.

Answer 2

Gem -

The first sentence tells us the price of the hardcover book, because 2 of them cost $118.00. So they each cost half that much, right? 118/2 = 59.00 each

 

So far, she has spent $177 (3 books at $59.00 each). If her total expense is 317.00 she must have spent another $140 on the last two books, or $70.00 each. 

 317

-177

 140

 

140/2 = 70 

 

So, let's check; 3 x 59 = 177 

2 x 70 = 140 

177 + 140 = 317 √