Question 57309
1. Six pears and three apples cost $3.90. Two pears and five apples cost $3.30. How much does one pear cost? Hint: You have two unknowns (variables), so you need two equations. Write one equation for each situation and solve the system of equations. 

Let p = the cost of one pear 

Let a = the cost of one apple

a. Write a system of equations that can be used to determine the cost of pears and apples. 
 Determine the cost of one pear and one apple. Use mathematics to explain how you determined your answer. 
:Six pears and three apples cost $3.90
Is the equation: 6p+3a=3.90
:Two pears and five apples cost $3.30
Is the equation: 2p+5a=3.30
:
Your system of two equations and two unknowns is:
6p+3a=3.90
2p+5a=3.30
:
Multiply the second equation by -3 and add it to the first equation to eliminate the p's and solve for a:
-3(2p+5a=3.30)---> -6p-15a=-9.90
:
6p+3a=3.90
-6p-15a=-9.90
_____________
-12a=-6.00
-12a/-12=-6.00/-12
a=$.50
Substitute a=.50 into one of the original equations and solve for p.
2p+5(.50)=3.30
2p+2.50=3.30
2p+2.50-2.50=3.30-2.50
2p=.8
2p/2=.8/2
p=$.40
The pears are $.40 a piece and the apples are $.50 a piece.
Happy Caclulating!!!!