You and your friend are shopping for painting supplies. Your friend wants five bottles of paint
and one set of paint brushes. You want seven bottles of paint and two sets of paint brushes. Each
bottle of paint costs $3.69. If you and your friend’s total cost is $51.69, what is the cost of one set
of paint brushes?

Question

You and your friend are shopping for painting supplies. Your friend wants five bottles of paint 
and one set of paint brushes. You want seven bottles of paint and two sets of paint brushes. Each 
bottle of paint costs $3.69. If you and your friend’s total cost is $51.69, what is the cost of one set 
of paint brushes?

anonymous · Answer

Directions: Translate each real-world situations into a multi-step equation. Solve the equation, showing all steps to solve the equation. Then write an explanation of the answer to the problem.

texaschic101 · Answer

your friend -- 5b + 1p
you -- 7b + 2p
p = 3.69

5b + 1p + 7b + 2p = 51.69
12b + 3p = 51.69 (now sub 3.69 in for p)
12b + 3(3.69) = 51.69
12b + 11.07 = 51.69
12b = 51.69 - 11.07
12b = 40.62
b = 40.62/12
b = 3.385

check..
12b + 11.07 = 51.69
12(3.385) + 11.07 = 51.69
40.62 + 11.07 = 51.69
51.69 = 51.69 (correct)

paint brushes cost $ 3.385....rounds to 3.39