To solve for the number of apples (a) needed to equal a total weight of 32 ounces, we start by substituting \( p = 9 \) (the number of plums) into the equation:
\[ 5a + 2p = 32 \]
Substituting \( p \):
\[ 5a + 2(9) = 32 \]
Now, calculate \( 2(9) \):
\[ 5a + 18 = 32 \]
Next, isolate \( 5a \) by subtracting 18 from both sides:
\[ 5a = 32 - 18 \] \[ 5a = 14 \]
Finally, solve for \( a \) by dividing both sides by 5:
\[ a = \frac{14}{5} \] \[ a = 2.8 \]
So, you would need 2.8 apples to equal a total weight of 32 ounces when there are 9 plums.
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