2. At a college bookstore, Carla purchased a math textbook and a novel that cost a total of $54, not

including tax. If the price of the math textbook, M, is $8 more than 3 times the price of the novel, N.

a. Write a system of equations to represent this situation, then solve by substitution.

b. How much does the novel cost? How much does a math book cost?

the price of the novel : $10.25

The price of the math book : $43.75

Step-by-step explanation:

Let M represent math book and N novel

the price of the math textbook, is $8 more than 3 times the price of the novel.

M + N = $54 and M = 3N + 8

we can write 3N + 8 instead of M

N + 3N + 8 = $54 add the like terms

4N = $46

N = $10.25 this is the price of the novel and the price of the math book is $54 - $10.25 = $43.75