Question

which cost more. 8 printers priced at $145 per printer or 3 laptop computer priced at $439 per computer? explain.

Answer 1

8 printers for $145 each is a total of $1160.

3 laptops for $439 is a total of $1317.

Therefore, the price of 3 laptops for $439 each cost more than 8 printers for $145 each.

Answer 2

It helps if you create equations for these problems. 
1.) t= total p= amount of printers 
The equation would be t=145p, since you have to multiply 145 by the amount of printers you are purchasing. 
t=145(8) 
The total for the printers would be $1,160. You can put 145*8 into a calculator.
Now do the same thing for the laptops.
2.) t= total l=laptop
t=439l
t=439(3)
t=$1,317
Three laptops cost more.