Question

The cost of an apple and a banana is 72 cents. The cost of a banana and a cherry is 36 cents. The cost of an apple and a cherry is 62 cents. What would be the total cost of two apples, two bananas and 1 cherry?

Answer 1

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Information Given
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Apple + Banana = 72 cents
Banana + Cherry = 36 cents
Apple + Cherry = 62 cents

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Total them up to find 2 Apples + 2 Bananas + 2 Cherries
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2 Apples + 2 Bananas + 2 Cherries = 72 + 36 + 62 cents
2 Apples + 2 Bananas + 2 Cherries = 170 cents

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Divide by 2 to find 1 Apple + 1 Banana + 1 Cherry
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2 Apples + 2 Bananas + 2 Cherries = 170 cents
1 Apple + 1 Banana + 1 Cherry = 85 cents

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Find 1 cherry
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1 Apple + 1 Banana = 72 cents
1 Apple + 1 Banana + 1 Cherry = 85 cents
Therefore cherry = 85 - 72 = 13 cents

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Find 2 Apples + 2 Bananas + 1 Cherry
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1 Apple + 1 Banana = 72 cents
2 Apples + 2 Banana = 72 x 2
2 Apples + 2 Banana = 144 cents

2 Apples + 2 Bananas+ 1 cherry = 144  + 13 cents
2 Apples + 2 Bananas + 1 cherry = 157 cents

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Answer: 157 cents
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Answer 2

.72 for an apple and banana
.36 for a banana and a cherry
then divide .72 by 2 and get .36
so add .72, .36, and .36 again
you get $1.54