A party rental company has chairs and tables for rent. The total cost to rent 2 chairs and 5 tables is $45. The cost to rent 8 chairs and 3 tables is $44. What's the cost to rent each chair and table?

Answer: tables cost $8 each and chairs cost $2.5 each.

Step-by-step explanation: Let c be for chairs and t be for tables ...

2c + 5t = 45

8c + 3t = 44

To find t, multiply the first equation by - 4 so that we can use the process of elimination:

-8c - 20t = - 180

+ 8c + 3t = 44

-17t = - 136 or t = 8

To find c, plug t into the original equation:

2c + 5 (8) = 45

2c + 40 = 45

2c = 5

c = 2.5