Let's use a system of equations to solve the problem:
P = number of petunias
B = number of begonias
P + B = 22 (she bought a total of 22 potted plants)
7P + 8B = 163 (she spent a total of $163)
We can use the first equation to solve for one of the variables in terms of the other:
B = 22 - P
We can substitute this into the second equation and simplify:
7P + 8(22 - P) = 163
7P + 176 - 8P = 163
-P = -13
P = 13
Therefore, Michelle bought 13 petunias. We can check our answer by finding the number of begonias:
B = 22 - P = 22 - 13 = 9
She bought 13 petunias and 9 begonias, which adds up to a total of 22 potted plants. We can also check the total cost:
7P + 8B = 7(13) + 8(9) = 91 + 72 = 163
The total cost is indeed $163.
Michelle bought some potted plants.
Petunias cost $7 per pot.
Begonias cost $8 per pot.
She bought 22 potted plants and spent a total of $163. How many petunias did she buy?
1 answer