By setting up two equations based on the cost of apples and oranges, we find that the price of one apple is $1.00.
To determine the price of one apple, we need to set up two equations based on the information given. We're told that 5 apples and 8 oranges cost $8.50, and 3 apples and 4 oranges cost $4.50. Let's define A as the price of one apple and O as the price of one orange:
- 5A + 8O = 8.50 (Equation 1)
- 3A + 4O = 4.50 (Equation 2)
To solve for A, we can use equation 2 to express O in terms of A and then substitute back into equation 1. From equation 2, we find that 4O = 4.50 - 3A, so O = (4.50 - 3A)/4. Substituting this expression for O into equation 1 gives us a single equation in terms of A, which we can then solve.
After solving, we find the price of one apple to be $1.00.