AlgebraEasy–MediumTwo prices from a total and a difference
Algebra practice question
A pen and a pencil together cost $14, and the pen costs $10 more than the pencil. What is the cost of the pencil, in dollars?
Answer: 2
Let the pencil be c: c + (c + 10) = 14, so 2c = 4 and c = 2. (The pen is $12.)
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 4
- 4 is 2c, not c.
- If you answered 10
- 10 is the difference, not the pencil's price.
- If you answered 12
- 12 is the pen.
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