A local store sells pencils and erasers. If 4 pencils and 3 erasers cost 11 dollars, and 3 pencils and 5 erasers cost 11 dollars, find the cost of one pencil. The cost of one pencil is ____.
Answer & Analysis
Analysis
Question Analysis
This question tests the student's ability to set up and solve a system of linear equations in two variables. The problem involves finding the cost of one pencil given the total costs for different combinations of pencils and erasers.
Key Concept Explanation
The key concept here is the application of systems of linear equations to real-world problems. The student must translate the word problem into a system of equations and then solve it using appropriate methods.
Step-by-step Solution
1. Define the variables: Let be the cost of one pencil and be the cost of one eraser.
2. Formulate the system of equations based on the given information:
3. Solve the system using the elimination method. Multiply the first equation by 5 and the second equation by 3 to eliminate :
4. Subtract the second equation from the first:
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