MICHAEL P. answered • 10/27/16
Tutor
5
(1)
Retired pharmacist.
Let X = number mugs at 3.50 and Y = number mugs at 6.80. Then, 2 equations are: 3.50 X + 6.8 Y = 69;
X + Y = 15. Then, X = 15 - Y. Substitute this X value in first equation: 3.50 (15 - Y) + 6.8 Y = 69;
52.50 - 3.50 Y + 6.8 Y = 69; 3.3 Y = 16.50; Y = 5. Then 15 - 5 = 10. So we have 5 mugs at 6.80 and 10 mugs at 3.50.
Check: 5 X 6.80 = $34 and 10 X 3.50 = $35; 34 + 35 = $69.
MICHAEL P.
Sorry I missed your comment about algebra. If there is a way I cannot immediately tell you, other than trial and error. You could try 1 mug at one price and 14 at the other, then 2 mugs at one price and 13 at the other, etc., until finding the correct ratio that would add up to the total spent. Maybe someone else can have a better or easier solution.
Report
10/28/16
Justin F.
10/27/16