Olivia spent $60 on some staplers, markers and pens. The number of staplers she bought was ²₃ the number of markers. The number of pens she bought was ³₅ the number of markers. The ratio of the amount of money she spent on the staplers, markers and pens was 2 : 5 : 3. The markers were sold at 3 for $6. Find the price of 1 stapler.

Amount spent
Staplers	Markers	Pens	Total
2 u	5 u	3 u	$60

Total amount that Olivia spent on staplers, markers and pens
= 2 u + 5 u + 3 u
= 10 u

10 u = 60

1 u = 60 ÷ 10 = 6

Amount that Olivia spent on markers
= 5 u
= 5 x 6
= $30

Number of sets of markers of 3 bought
= 30 ÷ 6
= 5

Number of markers that Olivia bought
= 5 x 3
= 15

Number of items bought
Staplers	Markers	Pens	Total
2x5	3x5
	5x3	3x3
10 p	15 p	9 p	34 p

The number of markers bought is repeated.  Make the number of markers bought is the same.  LCM of 3 and 5 is 15.

Number of markers that Olivia bought = 15 p

15 p = 15

1 p = 15 ÷ 15 = 1

Number of staplers that Olivia bought
= 10 p
= 10 x 1
= 10

Amount that Olivia spent on staplers
= 2 u
= 2 x 6
= $12

Price of 1 stapler
= 12 ÷ 10
= $1.20

Answer(s): $1.20