Question

For the purchase of 5 apples and 3 bananas from a store, Jane pays $3.40 and for the purchase of 3 apples and 2 bananas from the same store, Sam pays $2.10. Now, find the price of each apple and banana.

Answer 1

Let a = price of an apple, b = price of a banana (in dollars).

From the purchases:
5a + 3b = 3.40
3a + 2b = 2.10

Multiply the second equation by 3 and the first by 2:
9a + 6b = 6.30
10a + 6b = 6.80

Subtract the first from the second: a = 0.50.
Then 3(0.50) + 2b = 2.10 → 1.50 + 2b = 2.10 → 2b = 0.60 → b = 0.30.

Answer: Apple = $0.50, Banana = $0.30.