The cost of 1 rubber and 7 sharpeners are 61 rupees, while that of 3 rubbers and 1 sharpener are 23 rupees. What is the price of a sharpener?

The cost of 1 rubber and 7 sharpeners are 61 rupees, while that of 3 rubbers and 1 sharpener are 23 rupees. What is the price of a sharpener?

Explanation

Let's denote:

r = price of 1 rubber

s = price of 1 sharpener

Given:

r + 7s = 61 ... (1)

3r + s = 23 ... (2)

Multiplying (1) by 3:

3r + 21s = 183

Subtracting (2) from this:

20s = 160

s = 8