Question

Mariah spent $9.50 on 9 pounds of limes and pears. Limes cost $0.50 per pound and pears cost $1.50 per pound. Let l be the number of pounds of limes and let p be the number of pounds of pears.

The system of linear equations that models this scenario is:

l + p = 9

0.5l + 1.5p = 9.5

How many pounds of each type of fruit did she buy?

Answer 1

4 pounds of lime and 5 pounds of pears

Explanation:

I + P = 9

0.5l + 1.5P = 9.5

I = 9 - P

0.5(9 - P) + 1.5P = 9.5

4.5-0.5P + 1.5P = 9.5

4.5 + P (1P) = 9.5

P = 9.5-4.5 = 5

I = 9 - 5 = 4

Answer: 4 pounds of lime and 5 pounds of pears