SOLUTION: I'm having a real issue with this problem, can you help me? 3 roses and 5 lillies costs $48. 8 roses and 4 lillies costs $86. What is the cost of a rose and a lilly? I set th

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: I'm having a real issue with this problem, can you help me? 3 roses and 5 lillies costs $48. 8 roses and 4 lillies costs $86. What is the cost of a rose and a lilly? I set th      Log On


   

Question 967524: I'm having a real issue with this problem, can you help me?
3 roses and 5 lillies costs $48. 8 roses and 4 lillies costs $86. What is the cost of a rose and a lilly?
I set the problem up like this:
3R + 5L = 48 (-8)
8R + 4L = 86 (3)
= -24R - 40L = -384
24R + 12L = 258
0 - 28L = -642
Here's where I get stuck because 28 doesn't go in to 642 evenly.
Where am I going wrong?I can't go on until I get (L) Help me please?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You did make a mistake because -384+258 is -126, not -642.

However that's no help because 28 doesn't go into 126 evenly 
either.  The solution is 8.5 roses and 4.5 lilies.

But who wants half of a flower?  Not I.  The problem is
obviously botched.  Be sure to point it out to your teacher.  

Edwin