The Lee's spend $31 on movies tickets for 2 adult and 3 children. The Smith's spent $26 on movie tickets for 2 adults and 2 children. What are the prices for an adult and child movie ticket?

First we write the variables:

x: cost of the ticket for adults.

y: cost of ticket for children.

We write the system of equations:

2x + 3y = 31

2x + 2y = 26

We solve the system:

Step 1:

2x + 3y = 31

-2x-2y = - 26

Step 2:

y = 5

Step 3:

2x + 3y = 31

2x = - 3y + 31

x = ( - 3y + 31) / 2

x = ( - 3 * (5) + 31) / 2

x = 8

Answer:

the prices for an adult and child movie ticket are:

adults = $ 8

children = 5 $