2x + y = 350 x + 2y = 475 3x + 3y = 825 x + y = 275 x = 275 - y (plug back into first equation) 2(275 - y) + y = 350 550 - 2y + y = 350 550 - y = 350 -y =-200 or y = $200 (dog) therefore, x = $75 (cats) Check 2(75) + 200 = 350 75 + 400 = 475 HAPPINESS! :)