Question 343435
<font face="Garamond" size="+2">


Let *[tex \Large x] represent the price of 1 lb. of tin.  Then *[tex \Large x\ -\ 1] must represent the price of 1 lb. of copper.


The value of 4 lbs. of tin must be *[tex \Large 4x].  The value of 6 lbs. of copper must be *[tex \Large 6(x\ -\ 1)].  4 lbs. of tin plus 6 lbs. of copper must make 10 lbs of bronze, which, at $3.65 per pound must be worth $36.50.


And the value of the tin plus the value of the copper must equal the value of the bronze (assuming, as you can only do in the very contrived world of mathematics problems, that the two metals mix themselves into an alloy without the intervention of a workman who demands a wage or a factory that has overhead costs).  So:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 4x\ +\ 6(x\ -\ 1)\ =\ 36.5]


Solve for *[tex \Large x].


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
<img src="http://www.evolvefish.com/fish/media/E-FlyingSpaghettiEmblem.gif">
</font>