A man buys 3 kg of apples and 5 kg of cucumbers for $48.
The price of 1 kg of apples is $8 more expensive than the price of 1 kg of cucumbers.
What is the price of 1 kg of cucumbers?
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A man buys 3 kg of apples and 5 kg of cucumbers for $48.
The price of 1 kg of apples is $8 more expensive than the price of 1 kg of cucumbers.
What is the price of 1 kg of cucumbers?
To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:
Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Let the price per kg of cucumbers be dollars. Thus, the price per kg of apples is dollars.
Step 2: Express the total cost of the items:
For 3 kg of apples:
For 5 kg of cucumbers:
These add up to give the total cost:
Step 3: Solve the equation.
Expand the equation:
Combine like terms:
Subtract 24 from both sides:
Divide by 8:
Therefore, the price of 1 kg of cucumbers is dollars.
\( 11=a-16 \)
\( a=\text{?} \)
Making the cheaper item your variable prevents negative prices! Since apples cost $8 more than cucumbers, if cucumbers = c, then apples = c + 8 (always positive).
Look for key phrases like '$8 more expensive than' or 'costs $8 more'. The item mentioned first is usually the more expensive one in these contexts.
That's totally normal for price problems! Always check that your answer makes practical sense - prices should be positive and reasonable for the items described.
Yes! You could use two variables: a = apple price, c = cucumber price. Then you'd have the system: 3a + 5c = 48 and a = c + 8. Both methods work!
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