16Hit1600
AlgebraMediumSystem for a word problem

Algebra practice question

A stall sold 5 items — some pens at $2 each and some notebooks at $5 each — for a total of $16. If p pens and n notebooks were sold, which system represents this?

  1. A. p + n = 5 and 2p + 5n = 16Correct
  2. B. p + n = 16 and 2p + 5n = 5
  3. C. p + n = 5 and 5p + 2n = 16
  4. D. 2p + 5n = 5 and p + n = 16

Answer: A. p + n = 5 and 2p + 5n = 16

Five items in total; $2 per pen and $5 per notebook make $16. (Solution: 3 pens, 2 notebooks.)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. p + n = 16 and 2p + 5n = 5
The totals are swapped.
C. p + n = 5 and 5p + 2n = 16
The prices are swapped.
D. 2p + 5n = 5 and p + n = 16
The totals are swapped.

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