Question

Emily and Chelsea each improved their yards by planting hostas and shrubs. They bought their supplies from the same store. Emily spent $132 on 6 hostas and 12 shrubs. Chelsea spent $213 on 14 hostas and 9 shrubs. Find the cost of one hosta and the cost of one shrub.

Answer 1

One hosta = $ 12 , One shrub = $ 5

Explanation:

Let;

x = hostas

y = shrubs

Emily spent $132 on 6 hostas and 12 shrubs.

6x + 12y = 132 ........................................ (i)

Chelsea spent $213 on 14 hostas and 9 shrubs

14x + 9y = 213 ........................................ (ii)

From (i)

12y = 132 - 6x

y = 11 - 0.5x ........................................ (iii)

substitute (iii) into (ii)

14x + 9 (11 - 0.5x) = 213

14x + 99 - 4.5x = 213

9.5x = 114

x = $ 12

Substitute value of x in (iii)

y = 11 - 0.5(12)

y = 11 - 6 = $ 5