For this case we have to:
x: It is the variable that represents the quantity of paint bottles
y: It is the variable that represents the number of boxes of colored pencils
So, we have:
[tex]2x + 3.50y[/tex]
If you can not spend more than $ 42 then we have:
[tex]2x + 3.50y\leq42[/tex]
Then you can buy 10 boxes of colored pencils and 3 of paint bottles at a cost of $ 41
[tex]2 (3) +3.50 (10)\\6 + 35 = 41[/tex]
You can buy 5 boxes of colored pencils and 12 of paint bottles at a cost of $
[tex]2 (12) +3.50 (5)\\24 + 17.5 = 41.5[/tex]
You can buy 7 boxes of colored pencils and 8 of paint bottles at a cost of $
[tex]2 (8) +3.50 (7)\\16 + 24.5 = 40.5[/tex]
Answer:
[tex]2x + 3.50y\leq42[/tex]