The total cost of 3 skirts and 3 jumpsuits was $159. Tina bought 5 such skirts, 3 such jumpsuits and a cardigan for $271. If the total cost of a blazer and a skirt was $72, find the difference in cost between the skirt and the blazer.
Let 1 S be 1 skirt.
Let 1 J be 1 jumpsuit.
Let 1 B be 1 blazer.

3 S + 3 J = 159 --- (1)

1 S + 1 J = 159 ÷ 3
1 S + 1 J = 53 --- (2)

1 S + 1 B = 72 --- (3)

5 S + 3 J + 1 B = 271 --- (4)

(4) - (1)
(5 S + 3 J + 1 B) - (3 S + 3 J) = 271 - 159 
5 S - 3 S + 3 J - 3 J + 1 B = 112

2 S + 1 B = 112 --- (5)

(5) - (3)
(2 S + 1 B) - (1 S + 1 B) = 112 - 72
2 S - 1 S + 1 B - 1 B = 40
2 S - 1 S = 40

1 S = 40

From (3)
1 S + 1 B = 72
40 + 1 B = 72

1 B = 72 - 40 = 32

Difference in the cost between the skirt and the blazer
= 1 S - 1 B
= 40 - 32
= $8

Answer(s): $8