Question 551078
x = price of oranges
y = price of apples
.
12x + 7y = $5.36 = 536 cents
8x + 5y = $3.68 = 368 cents
.
Multiply the first equation by 5, the second by 7, and then subtract to eliminate the 'y' factor.
.
60x + 35y = 2680
56x + 35y = 2576
----------------- subtract
4x = 104
x = 26 cents per orange
.
Substitute x=26 into the first equation to find 'y'.
.
12*26 +7y = 536
312 +7y = 536
7y = 536-312 = 224
y = 32 cents per apple
.
Check these values using the other equation.
8*26 = 208 cents
5*32 = 160 cents
208+160 = 368 cents
Correct.
.
Answer:  Oranges cost 26 cents each; apples cost 32 cents each.
.
Done.