Jim bought some potted plants: %0D%0A%0D%0APetunias cost $11 per pot and Begonias cost $15 per pot.%0D%0A%0D%0AJim bought 19 potted plants in all and spent a total of $225 on the plants.%0D%0A%0D%0AWhich would be a correct statement?

A. Jim bought 4 petunias.
B. Jim bought 15 begpnias
C. Jim bought 18 begonias
D. Jim bought 15 petunias

1 answer

To solve this problem, we can set up a system of equations.

Let's say Jim bought x petunias and y begonias.

From the information given, we know that the total number of potted plants Jim bought is 19, so: x + y = 19.

We also know that the total amount Jim spent is $225, so: 11x + 15y = 225.

To solve this system of equations, we can use substitution or elimination. Let's use elimination:

Multiply the first equation by 11 to make the coefficients of x in both equations the same:
11x + 11y = 209.

Now, subtract this new equation from the second equation:
(11x + 15y) - (11x + 11y) = 225 - 209
4y = 16
y = 4.

Substitute this value of y back into the first equation:
x + 4 = 19
x = 15.

Therefore, Jim bought 15 petunias and 4 begonias.

So, the correct statement is:

D. Jim bought 15 petunias.