Question 524043
How many pounds of candy selling for $1.75 a pound should be added to three pounds of candy selling for $4.25 a pound to create a blend, which will sell for $3.25 a pound?
<pre>
Let x = the number of pounds of the cheaper candy to be mixed
Let y = the total number of pounds of candy blend.

First you have the AMOUNT OF CANDY equation:

{{{(matrix(6,1,
Number,
of, 
pounds,
of,
cheaper,
candy))}}}+{{{(matrix(7,1,
Number,
of, 
pounds,
of,
more,
expensive,
candy))}}}={{{(matrix(6,1,
Number,
of, 
pounds,
of,
candy,
blend))}}} or x + 3 = y  

And second, you have the AMOUNT OF MONEY equation:

{{{(matrix(8,1,
Number,
of, 
pounds,
of,
cheaper,
candy,
times,
"$1.75"))}}}+{{{(matrix(9,1,
Number,
of, 
pounds,
of,
more,
expensive,
candy,
times,
"$4.25"))}}}={{{(matrix(8,1,
Number,
of, 
pounds,
of,
candy,
blend,
times,
"$3.25"))}}} or (x)(1.75) + (3)(4.25) = (y)(3.25) or 1.75x + 12.75 = 3.25y

So you have this system of equations:

x + 3 = y
1.75x + 12.75 = 3.25y
 

Solve that system and get x = 2 and y = 5.

Answer: Add 2 pounds of the more expensive candy to end up with 
5 pounds of candy blend. 

Edwin</pre>