The total cost to rent 3 chairs and 2 tables is $17. The total cost to rent 8 chairs and 4 tables is $37. What is the cost to rent each chair and each table?

3+2 = 5

8 + 4 = 12

37 / 12 = 3.08

5 / 17 = 3.04

so i would say 3 dollars

Let's make some variables to represent the cost of the tables and chairs.

Let x be equal to the cost of one chair

Let y be equal to the cost of one table

The total cost for 3 chairs and 2 tables is $17.

3x + 2y = 17

The total cost for 8 chairs and 4 tables is $37.

8x + 4y = 37

Now we have our system of equations.

Let's solve it.

3x + 2y = 17

8x + 4y = 37

We can cancel the y's very easily. Then it would just leave us with the x's.

Multiply the top equation by - 2.

3x (-2) + 2y (-2) = 17 (-2) =

-6x - 4y = - 34

Then add the equations together.

-6x - 4y = - 34

8x + 4y = 37

=

2x = 3

Then just divide both sides by 2.

x = 1.5

Substitute 1.5 into one of the equation. I'll pick 3x + 2y = 17

3 (1.5) + 2y = 17; Start

4.5 + 2y = 17; Multiply 3 and 1.5 together

2y = 12.5; Subtract 4.5 from each side of the equation

y = 6.25; Divide both sides by the coefficient of y. Which 2

So, a chair costs $1.50 and a table costs $6.25.