The question asks for the number of M&M bags and the number of Hershey bars. It is often convenient to assign variables to the things you are asked to find. We can let m and h represent the number of bags of M&Ms and the number of Hershey bars respectively.
The problem statement gives you two relations regarding these variables. One relation involves the associated cost. If each M&M bag costs $3.00, then 3.00m could represent the total cost of all the bags purchased. Likewise the cost of Hershey bars purchased will be 2.00h. Their total cost is given as $59, so you have that relation:
... 3.00m + 2.00h = 59.00
The problem statement also tells you the total number of items purchased was 24. So, you have that relation:
... m + h = 24
You can solve this system of equations in any of the ways you were taught. If you use substitution, the working out might look like this.
[tex]h=24-m\\3m+2(24-m)=59\\m+48=59\\m=11\\h=24-11=13[/tex]
Ms. Smith bought 11 bags of M&Ms and 13 Hershey bars.
