The 38 pencils cost $2.5 x 38 = $<<2.5*38=95>>95.

The 56 pens cost $3.5 x 56 =$<<3.5*56=196>>196.

The total cost of 36 pencils and 56 pens is $95 + $196 = $291.

# Answer

291
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
A school bought pencils and pens. A pencil costs $2.50, while a pen costs $3.50. How much do 38 pencils and 56 pens cost?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
291
A school bought pencils and pens. A pencil costs $2.50, while a pen costs $3.50. How much do 38 pencils and 56 pens cost?
train