We have:
Let x = number of apples
Let y = number of oranges
Maggie bought three times as many apples as she did oranges, this is:
x = 3y
$3 each apple
$2.50 each orange
Total cost $46
Then, we have the expression:
![3x+2.50y=46](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/qotqhlm260xx2w1whxbz5gvt1zlfizp8gp.png)
Next, solve the system of equations:
we replace x = 3y in the second equation
![3(3y)+2.50y=46](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/idhw6yc6l6m8xh3v19hpvz0odbe042zqm4.png)
And solve for y
![\begin{gathered} 9y+2.50y=46 \\ 11.5y=46 \\ (11.5y)/(11.5)=(46)/(11.5) \\ y=4 \end{gathered}](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/by8nc23rurgbn9bgyd7q8hijdj1lm50hfe.png)
Therefore, x is:
![undefined]()