4

Set 11: Systems of Equations (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

A store sells notebooks for $3 each and pens for $2 each. A customer bought 25 items for $65. How many notebooks were purchased?

A.

12 notebooks

B.

15 notebooks

✓ Correct
C.

18 notebooks

D.

20 notebooks

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. Choice B is the correct answer. Let nn = notebooks and pp = pens. System: {n+p=253n+2p=65\begin{cases} n + p = 25 \\ 3 n + 2 p = 65 \end{cases} Step 1: From first: p=25np = 25 - n Step 2: Substitute: $$$3n + 2(25 - n) = 653n + 50 - 2 n = 65$n = 15 Solution: 15 notebooks (and 10 pens) Verification: 15+10=2515+ 10 = 25 ✓ and 3(15)+2(10)=45+20=653(15) + 2(10) = 45 + 20 = 65 ✓ Strategic Tip: One equation for quantity, one for total cost. Other choices fail verification.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 15 notebooks

Why others are wrong:
A: Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

🎯 Keep Practicing!

Master all sections for your best SAT score