math word problem

Question

How many pounds of nuts selling for
?$6 per lb and raisins selling for
?$3 per lb should a person combine to obtain 60
lb of a trail mix selling for $4 per? lb?

Answer 1

Hi Amy, 

Step One: Create Let Statements

Let x=the pounds of nuts 

Let 60-x=the pounds of raisins

Step Two: Make a chart

                         NUTS          RAISINS                   TOTAL

PRICE                  $6               $3                           $4

POUNDS                x               60-x                        60

Step Three: Write an equation to solve for x

6x+3(60-x)=4(60) Distribute

6x+180-3x=240 Combine like terms

3x=240-180 Simplify

3x=60 Divide both sides by three

x=20

∴There are 20 pounds of nuts and 40 pounds of raisins.

Best, 

Starlyte H.