SOLUTION: How do you set up the following problem? The cost of 40lb of sugar and 16lb of flour is $26, as is the cost of 30lb of suger and 25lb of flour. Find the cost per pound of each item

Question 769480: How do you set up the following problem? The cost of 40lb of sugar and 16lb of flour is $26, as is the cost of 30lb of suger and 25lb of flour. Find the cost per pound of each item.
Answer by Cromlix(4381) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Sugar = x
Flour = y
40x + 16y = 26....1
30x + 25y = 26....2
Multiply (1) by 3
and (2) by 4
120x + 48y = 78...3
120x + 100y = 104...4
Subtract (3) from (4)
52y = 26
y = 26/52
y = 0.5
Substitute y = 0.5 in (1)
40x + 16y = 26
40x + 8 = 26
40x = 26 - 8
40x = 18
x = 18/40
x = 0.45
So, Sugar costs 45 cents per lb.
Flour costs 50 cents per lb.
Hope this helps.
:-)
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