Question

A store is having a sale on almonds and jelly beans. For 6 pounds of almonds and 2 pounds of jelly beans, the total cost is 20. For 3 pounds of almonds and 5 pounds of jelly beans, the total cost is 23. Find the cost for each pound of almonds and each pound of jelly beans.

Answer 1

Each pound of almonds is $2.25 and each pound of jelly beans is $3.25

Explanation:

Create a system of equations where a is the cost for a pound of almonds, and j is the cost for a pound of jelly beans

6a + 2j = 20

3a + 5j = 23

Solve by elimination by multiplying the bottom equation by -2, then adding them together

6a + 2j = 20

-6a - 10j = -46

Add them together, then solve for j

-8j = -26

j = 3.25

Solve for a by plugging in 3.25 as j into one of the equations

6a + 2j = 20

6a + 2(3.25) = 20

6a + 6.5 = 20

6a = 13.5

a = 2.25

So, each pound of almonds is $2.25 and each pound of jelly beans is $3.25