Final answer:
The cost of three pounds of pears would be $12.99, calculated by solving the equation 8(p - 1) + 10p = 70, finding the cost per pound of pears (p), and then multiplying by three.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to find out how much three pounds of pears would cost, we first need to set up an equation based on the given information. Let p represent the cost per pound of pears, then the cost per pound of oranges would be p - $1. According to the problem, 8 pounds of oranges and 10 pounds of pears cost a total of $70. Our equation to determine the cost is 8(p - 1) + 10p = 70. Solving this equation:Let's assume that the cost of a pound of pears is x dollars. Since a pound of oranges cost $1 less than a pound of pears, the cost of a pound of oranges would be (x - 1) dollars.
According to the given information, eight pounds of pears and ten pounds of pears together cost $70. We can write the equation:8x + 10(x - 1) = 70Simplifying the equation8x + 10x - 10 = 7018x - 10 = 70Adding 10 to both sides:18x = 80Dividing both sides by 18:x 4.44So, the cost of a pound of pears is approximately $4.44. To find the cost of three pounds of pears, we multiplythe cost of one pound by three:3 * 4.44 = 13.32Therefore, three pounds of pears would cost approximately $13.32.8p - 8 + 10p = 7018p - 8 = 70= 70 + 818p = 78p = 78 / 18p = $4.33 (cost per pound of pears)To find the cost of three pounds ofpears, we multiply the cost per pound by 3:3 pounds × $4.33 = $12.99Therefore, three pounds of pears would cost $12.99.