SOLUTION: I have a math problem and I'm not sure how to begin... A candy store sells boxes of candy containing caramels and cremes. each box sells for 12.50$ and holds 30 pieces of candy (a

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: I have a math problem and I'm not sure how to begin... A candy store sells boxes of candy containing caramels and cremes. each box sells for 12.50$ and holds 30 pieces of candy (a      Log On


   



Question 281199: I have a math problem and I'm not sure how to begin...
A candy store sells boxes of candy containing caramels and cremes. each box sells for 12.50$ and holds 30 pieces of candy (all pieces the same size). If the caramels cost .25$ and the cremes cost .45$ to produce, how many of each should be placed in the box to profit 3$.
I started with .25(x) + .45(y) + 3 = 12.50.
I started by solving x (with x yielding an equation to help solve y), which I thought would yield the answer for y. After solving y, then I could solve x. Didn't work. Not sure how to get started.
Any help would be appreciated.

Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
What country are you in? In the USA the $ is ALWAYS first and cent sign is ALWAYS last.
And they are never used together and we also never use the decimal with the cent sign.

.25(x) + .45(y) + 3 = 12.50 is the same as my second equation.
you started out well but forgot that the caramels and cremes total 30
a+r=30 is what I used since they both start with c
To get a profit of $3 from selling at 12.50 we need to keep the cost down to $9.50
a+r=30
25a+45r=950
a =20 r=10
a=caramels
r= cremes