To solve the problem, we need to establish the total amount Ryan spent on the loaf of bread and the apples. We can then form an equation to find out how many pounds of apples he bought.
Let \( x \) be the number of pounds of apples Ryan bought.
- The cost of the loaf of bread is $3.95.
- The cost of the apples is $1.29 per pound, so the total cost for the apples is \( 1.29x \).
According to the problem, Ryan spent a total of $10.40. We can set up the following equation:
\[ 3.95 + 1.29x = 10.40 \]
Next, we need to isolate \( x \).
Subtract $3.95 from both sides:
\[ 1.29x = 10.40 - 3.95 \]
Calculating the right side:
\[ 10.40 - 3.95 = 6.45 \]
So, the equation now is:
\[ 1.29x = 6.45 \]
Now, divide both sides by $1.29 to solve for \( x \):
\[ x = \frac{6.45}{1.29} \]
Calculating the division:
\[ x \approx 5.00 \]
Thus, Ryan bought approximately 5 pounds of apples.