Question 319719
Archie went out for bagels and coffee for his co-workers every day. On Monday, he bought 3 bagels and 2 coffees and spent $2.54. On Tuesday, it cost him $2.46 for 2 bagels and 3 coffees. On Wednesday, he just bought for himself. What did he pay for one bagel and one coffee?
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Equations: 
3b + 2c = 254 cents
2b + 3c = 246 cents
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Multiply 1st by 2; Multiply 2nd by 3
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6b + 4c = 2*254
6b + 9c = 3*246
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Subtract 1st from 2nd and solve for "c":
5c = 230
c = 56 cents: price of a cup of coffee
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Substitute and solve for "b":
3b + 2*56 = 254
3b = 142
b = 47 1/3 cents: price of one bagel
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Cheers,
Stan H.