What are the cost of one hosta and the cost of one shrub?

Question

James and Trevon each improved their yards by planting hostas and shrubs. They bought their supplies from the same store. James spent $29 on 12 hostas and 1 shrub. Trevon spent $39 on 2 hostas and 7 shrubs. What are the cost of one host and the cost of one shrub?

We need to find out what x and y represents and the system of equations.

Answer 1

x=hostas, y=shrubs

12x + y = 29 [1]

2x + 7y = 39 [2]

Multiply equation [1] by -7 to eliminate the y

-84x - 7y = -203

2x + 7y = 39

Add

-82x = -164

Divide

x=2

Substitute back into [2]

2(2)+7y=39

4 + 7y = 39

7y = 35

y=5

Hostas are $2 and shrubs are $5