John and 2 friends are going out for pizza for lunch. they split one pizza and 3 large drinks. the pizza cost $12.00. they spend a total of $16.95. find the cost of one large drink.
a. $1.70
b. $14.48
c. $1.65
d. $2.48

Let's use these variables to organize the problem
x = price of a pizza
y = price of a large drink
Here's what the problem looks like:
x + 3y = 16.95The price of 1 pizza and the price of 3 large drinks add up to $16.95.

We know from the question that the price of 1 pizza is $12.00, in other words:
x = 12

So now we have the following:
12 + 3y = 16.95

Then to find the price of 1 large drink, solve for y, which represented the price of 1 large drink.

12 + 3y = 16.95
-12          -12

3y = 4.95
---    
 3       3

y = 1.65

So, the price of one large drink is $1.65 which is letter (c).