Example

Example: Another Stamp Mixture Problem with 49-Cent and 35-Cent Stamps

Apply the seven-step problem-solving strategy and the total-value model to a stamp mixture problem where the relationship between the two stamp counts involves both multiplication and addition.

Problem: Eric paid $19.88 for stamps. The number of 49-cent stamps was eight more than twice the number of 35-cent stamps. How many 49-cent stamps and how many 35-cent stamps did Eric buy?

  1. Read the problem and identify the types involved: 49-cent stamps (worth $0.49 each) and 35-cent stamps (worth $0.35 each). The total value of all stamps is $19.88.
  2. Identify what to find: the number of 49-cent stamps and the number of 35-cent stamps.
  3. Name the unknowns using a single variable. Let xx = the number of 35-cent stamps. The phrase "eight more than twice" translates to 2x+82x + 8. Therefore, the number of 49-cent stamps is 2x+82x + 8.
  4. Translate into an equation: Multiply each count by its respective value, then sum them to equal the total value: 0.49(2x+8)+0.35x=19.880.49(2x + 8) + 0.35x = 19.88
  5. Solve the equation:
  • Distribute 0.490.49: 0.98x+3.92+0.35x=19.880.98x + 3.92 + 0.35x = 19.88
  • Combine like terms: 1.33x+3.92=19.881.33x + 3.92 = 19.88
  • Subtract 3.923.92 from both sides: 1.33x=15.961.33x = 15.96
  • Divide both sides by 1.331.33: x=12x = 12

Find the number of 49-cent stamps: 2(12)+8=24+8=322(12) + 8 = 24 + 8 = 32. 6. Check: Does 12(0.35)+32(0.49)=19.8812(0.35) + 32(0.49) = 19.88? 4.20+15.68=19.884.20 + 15.68 = 19.88 19.88=19.8819.88 = 19.88 \checkmark 7. Answer: Eric bought 1212 35-cent stamps and 3232 49-cent stamps.

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Updated 2026-04-22

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