SOLUTION: a large drink costs $0.50 more than a small drink.three small drinks and two large drinks cost $3.50. what is the cost of a small drink?

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Question 1144110: a large drink costs $0.50 more than a small drink.three small drinks and two large drinks cost $3.50. what is the cost of a small drink?
Found 3 solutions by josgarithmetic, ikleyn, greenestamps:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x, small
y, large
system%28y=x%2B0.5%2C3x%2B2y=3.5%29
Solveforx.

Answer by ikleyn(52780) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Let the cost of a small drink be  x  cents  (the unknown value under the question).


Then the cost of a large drink is (x+50) cents.


Then the condition says that the total cost of 3 small drinks and 2 large drinks is 350 cents


    3x + 2*(x+50) = 350  cents.


Simplify this equation and solve it for x :


    3x + 2x + 100 = 350

    5x            = 350 - 100

    5x            = 250

     x            = 250/5 = 50 cents.


ANSWER.  The small drink costs 50 cents, or $0.5.

Solved.

It is a simple problem to be solved in one unknown . . .

Do it in as simple way as it should be done . . .



Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


If an algebraic solution is not required, you can solve the problem with a little bit of logical reasoning and some simple arithmetic.

Imagine reducing the cost of the large drink so it costs the same as a small drink. That reduces the cost of 3 small drinks and 2 large drinks by $1, making the 5 drinks cost a total of $2.50, with all the drinks now costing the same amount.

But that means each drink costs $2.50/5 = $0.50.

ANSWER: The cost of each small drink is $0.50, or 50 cents.