Word problems with Missing pieces

Question

Caleb runs a farm stand that sells strawberries and grapes. Yesterday Caleb sold 28 pounds of strawberries and 37 pounds of grapes for a total revenue of $183.50. Today he sold 14 pounds of strawberries and 16 pounds of grapes for a total revenue of $85.50. Determine the price of each pound of strawberries and the price of each pound of grapes.

Answer 1

Let x = cost of a pound of strawberrys and y = cost of a pound of grapes.

28x + 37y = 183.50

14x + 16y = 85.50

Multiply the second equation by -2:

28x + 37y = 183.50

-28x - 32y = -171.00

Add the equations:

5y = 12.50

So y = $2.50. Replace y by 2.50 in either of the original equations to solve for x.