Question

Four oranges and five apples cost $3.56. Three oranges and four apples cost $2.76. Find the cost of an orange and an apple using system of equations

Answer 1

Cost of oranges = $0.44

Cost of apples = $0.36

Explanation:

Assume:

Cost of oranges = a

Cost of apples = b

4a + 5b = $3.56 ---------------(1)

3a + 4b = $2.76 ---------------(2)

from equation (1),

4a = $3.56 - 5b

a = ($3.56 - 5b) ÷ 4 ----------(3)

Input equation (3) in equation (2)

3 * [($3.56 - 5b) ÷ 4] + 4b = $2.76

$2.67 - 3.75b + 4b = $2.76

0.25b = $2.76 - $2.67 = $0.09

b = $0.09 ÷ 0.25 = $0.36

Therefore, a = ($3.56 - (5 * $0.36)) ÷ 4 = $0.44