Using a system of equations, the cost per carton of ice cream is $4.50 and the cost per can of whipped cream is $2.40.
A system of equations is two or more equations solved simultaneously.
Cartons Cans of
Ice Cream Whipped Cream Total Cost
Yesterday's purchases 6 5 $39.00
Today's purchases 4 6 $32.40
Let the cost per carton of ice cream = x
Let the cost per can of whipped cream = y
Equations:
6x + 5y = 39 ... Equation 1
4x + 6y = 32.4 ... Equation 2
Multiply Equation 2 by 1.5:
6x + 9y = 48.6 ... Equation 3
Subtract Equation 1 from Equation 3:
6x + 9y = 48.6
-
6x + 5y = 39
4y = 9.6
y = 2.4
Substitute y = 2.4 in Equation 1:
6x + 5(2.4) = 39
6x + 12 = 39
6x = 27
x = 4.5
Thus, the cost per carton of ice cream is $4.50 and the cost per can of whipped cream is $2.40.
Complete Question:
Carly is preparing for the Key Club's annual ice cream social. Yesterday, she spent $39.00 on 6 cartons of ice cream and 5 cans of whipped cream, which was all the grocery store had in stock. She went back again earlier today to buy another 4 cartons of ice cream and 6 more cans of whipped cream, spending $32.40. Determine the cost per carton of ice cream and each can of whipped cream.