Final answer:
The cost per apple is $0.24, which is obtained by first finding the cost per plum as $0.18 and then multiplying by 4/3 since the cost per apple is four-thirds the cost of a plum.
Step-by-step explanation:
Francesca buys 12 apples and 18 plums for a total of $6.12. We are told that the cost per apple is four-thirds as much as the cost per plum. Let's call the cost per plum p, which makes the cost per apple 4/3p. Using this information, we can set up the following equation to find the cost per apple:
12 apples × (4/3p) + 18 plums × p = $6.12
which simplifies to:
16p + 18p = $6.12
Combining like terms, we get:
34p = $6.12
Dividing both sides of the equation by 34 gives us:
p = $6.12 / 34
p = $0.18 per plum
Now, to find the cost per apple, we multiply the cost per plum by 4/3:
Cost per apple = 4/3 × $0.18
Cost per apple = $0.24
Therefore, the cost per apple is $0.24.