Question 1173873
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by formal algebra....<br>
3p+6c=48.00
7p+4c=54.50<br>
Multiply the first equation by 2 and the second by 3 to make the numbers of cherry pies the same; then compare the two resulting equations to determine the cost of each peach pie.  Then use that to determine the cost of each cherry pie.<br>
Informally (good practice in problem solving, using logical reasoning and simple mental arithmetic)....<br>
3 peach and 6 cherry for $48  -->  1 peach and 2 cherry for $16  -->  2 peach and 4 cherry for $32.<br>
2 peach and 4 cherry for $32, and 7 peach and 4 cherry for $54.50,  -->  5 peach for $54.50-$32=$22.50  -->  1 peach for $22.50/5 = $4.50.<br>
1 peach and 2 cherry for $16, and 1 peach for $4.50, means 2 cherry for $11.50, so 1 cherry for $11.50/2 = $5.75.<br>
ANSWERS: peach $4.50; cherry $5.75<br>
CHECK:
3(4.50)+6(5.75) = 13.50+34.50 = 48
7(4.50)+4(5.75) = 31.50+23 = 54.50<br>