How much of each type of candy should be included in the mixture?

Question

Two types of candy sell for $2.50 per pound and $4.00 per pound. A store clerk is trying to make a 5 pound mixture worth $17.60. 

Answer 1

Add x pounds of $2.50 per pound candy to (5-x) pounds of $4.00 per pound candy

to make 5 pounds at total cost of 17.60

 

2.5x + 4(5-x) = 17.6

2.5x + 20 - 4x = 17.6

-1.5x = 17.6 - 20

-1.5x = -2.4

x = 1.6 pounds of the $2.50 per pound candy

5-x = 3.4 pounds of the $4 candy

 

Check:  1.6(2.5) + 4(3.4) = $17.60