5 pounds of almonds and 3 pounds of jelly beans cost $25. 7 pounds of almonds and 9 pounds of jelly beans cost $53. What is the cost for each pound of almonds and each pound of jelly beans?

Answer 1

5A + 3J = 25 multiply by 3

7A + 9J = 53

15A + 9J = 75

7A + 9J = 53 subtract to get

8A = 22

A = 22/8 = $2.75 per pound of almonds

5(22/8) + 3J = 25

110/8 + 3J = 25

3J = 25 - 13.75 = 11.25

J = 11.25/3 =$3.75 for a pound of jelly beans