Answer:
An apple costs $2.25. A mango costs $1.25.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let a = price of 1 apple.
Let m = price of 1 mango.
Cameron:
4 apples + 7 mangoes ----> total $17.75
4a + 7m = 17.75
Gavin:
2 apples + 5 mangoes ----> total $10.75
2a + 5m = 10.75
We have a system of 2 equations in 2 unknowns.
4a + 7m = 17.75
2a + 5m = 10.75
We can use the elimination method to eliminate the variable <em>a</em>. Rewrite the first equation. Multiply both sides of the second equation by -2 and write below it. Then add the equations.
4a + 7m = 17.75
(+) -4a - 10m = -21.5
---------------------------------
-3m = -3.75
Divide both sides by -3.
m = 1.25
<em>A mango costs $1.25.</em>
Now we use the first equation and substitute 1.25 for <em>m</em> and solve for <em>a</em>.
4a + 7m = 17.75
4a + 7(1.25) = 17.75
4a + 8.75 = 17.75
4a = 9
a = 2.25
<em>An apple costs $2.25.</em>
Answer: An apple costs $2.25. A mango costs $1.25.
