Please answer the following question by reasoning step-by-step.
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?

291
The 38 pencils cost $2.

5 x 38 = $95.

The 56 pens cost $3.

5 x 56 = $196.

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

.

Thus, the answer is 291