Candy Mixtures - Someone wants to mix some candy that is worth 45 cents per pound. Some is worth 80 cents per pound to make 350 lb of a mixture worth 65 cents per pound. How much of each type of candy should be used?
Suppose we mix x pounds of the 45¢ candy with y pounds of the 80¢ candy.
Then we have two equations, a candy equation and a money equation:
The candy equation comes from this:
+ =
x + y = 350
The money equation comes from
+ =
(45¢)x + (80¢)y = (60¢)(350) or
45x + 80y = 21000
So solve this system of equations:
x + y = 350
45x + 80y = 21000
(If you can't solve that system of equations, post again asking how)
Answer: Mix 200 pounds of the less expensive candy and 150 pounds of the cheaper candy.
Edwin