Answer:The cost per pound of rib steak is approximately $2.40, and the cost per pound of hamburger meat is approximately $1.25.
Explanation:
To solve this system of equations, let's define the cost per pound of rib steak as "x" and the cost per pound of hamburger meat as "y."
From the given information, we can set up the following system of equations:
Equation 1: 2x + 6y = 12.30
Equation 2: 3x + 2y = 9.70
To solve this system, we can use the method of substitution or elimination. Let's use the method of elimination to eliminate one variable:
Multiply Equation 1 by 3 and Equation 2 by 2 to make the coefficients of "x" in both equations the same:
Equation 1: 6x + 18y = 36.90
Equation 2: 6x + 4y = 19.40
Now, subtract Equation 2 from Equation 1:
(6x + 18y) - (6x + 4y) = 36.90 - 19.40
14y = 17.50
y = 17.50/14
y ≈ 1.25
Now that we have the value of "y," substitute it back into one of the original equations, such as Equation 1, to solve for "x":
2x + 6y = 12.30
2x + 6(1.25) = 12.30
2x + 7.50 = 12.30
2x = 12.30 - 7.50
2x = 4.80
x = 4.80/2
x = 2.40
Therefore, the cost per pound of rib steak is approximately $2.40, and the cost per pound of hamburger meat is approximately $1.25.