Food for thought: Need help with this story problem

Question

Matt bought 2 cantaloupes and 8 pears at the local supermarket for a total of $38.20.

Alberta bought 10 cantaloupes and 8 pears at the same store for a total of $50.20.

If this is the case, how much does one cantaloupe cost?

Answer 1

Let x = price of one cantaloupe

     y = price of one pear

 

Then, 2x+8y=38.20

       10x+8y=50.20

 

Subtract the equations to get -8x = -12

 

                                            x = $1.50