Answer :
Final answer:
We can use the method of solving systems of linear equations to solve this problem. One package of paper towels costs $5 and one bottle of salad dressing costs $1.
Explanation:
This question relates to the area of mathematics known as systems of linear equations. Let's look at the problem: Mark bought 3 packages of paper towels and 1 bottle of salad dressing for $16, while Stephanie bought 2 packages of paper towels and 1 bottle of salad dressing for $11. We can make two equations out of this.
Let's denote the price of the paper towels as 'P' and the cost of the salad dressing as 'S'. Then, we have:
1) 3P + S = 16
2) 2P + S = 11
To solve this system, we can subtract the second equation from the first, which will give us P = 5. In other words, one package of paper towels costs $5. Substituting P = 5 into the second equation, we find: 2*5 + S = 11, thus S = 1, or one bottle of salad dressing costs $1.
Learn more about Systems of Linear Equations here:
https://brainly.com/question/33609849
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