Question

A store is having a sale on almonds and jelly beans. For 8 pounds of almonds and 3 pounds of jelly beans, the total cost is $18 . For 2 pounds of almonds and 5 pounds of jelly beans, the total cost is $13 . Find the cost for each pound of almonds and each pound of jelly beans.

Answer 1

8a + 3j = 18
2a + 5j = 13....multiply by -4
--------------
8a + 3j = 18
-8a - 20j = - 52 (result of multiplying by -4)
-------------add
-17j = - 34
j = -34/-17
j = 2 <=== jelly beans cost $ 2.00 per lb

8a + 3j = 18
8a + 3(2) = 18
8a + 6 = 18
8a = 18 - 6
8a = 12
a = 12/8
a = 1.50 <=== almonds cost $ 1.50 per lb