Mathematics Question

Question

Bob goes to the store and buys four apples and 3 pears and pays $2.90. Meg goes to the same store and buys four apples and one pear for $2.30 solve

Answer 1

pears cost 30 cents, apples 50 cents

4A+3P = 2.9

4A +P = 2.3

subtract to get

2P =.60

P = .60/2 = .30

4A = 2.3 -.30 = 2

A = 2/4 = .50

Answer 2

simultaneous equations in 2 variables

(1) 4A + 3P = 290

(2) 4A + 1P = 230

subtract (2) from (1) to eliminate A

4A + 3P = 290

-

4A + 1P = 230

=

0A + 2P = 60

=> P = pear = 30 cents

substitute P value in (2)

4A + 1(30) = 230

=> 4A = 200

=> A = apple = 50 cents

double check with 4 apples and 3 pears = 4 x 50 + 3 x 30 = 290 = correct