Answer:
3.5 pounds of the mixture was almonds
Step-by-step explanation:
Assume that the mixture contains x pounds of cashews and y pounds of almonds
∵ x represents the amount of cashew
∵ y represents the amount of almond
∵ Eduardo mixed 5 pounds of cashews and almonds
∴ x + y = 5 ⇒ (1)
∵ Cashews cost $8 per pound
∵ Almonds cost $6 per pound
∵ The total cost of the mixture was $33
→ Multiply x by 8 and y by 6 and equate their sum by 33
∴ 8x + 6y = 33 ⇒ (2)
Now we have a system of equations to solve it
→ Multiply equation (1) by -8 to eliminate x
∵ -8(x) + -8(y) = -8(5)
∴ -8x - 8y = -40 ⇒ (3)
→ Add equations(2) and (3)
∵ (8x + -8x) + (6y + -8y) = (33 + -40)
∴ -2y = -7
→ Divide both sides by -2
∴ y = 3.5
∵ y represents the amount of almond
∴ 3.5 pounds of the mixture was almonds
