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AlgebraMediumChoosing the system for a situation

Algebra practice question

At a stall, 3 pies and 2 tarts cost $14, and one pie with one tart costs $6. If p and t are the prices of a pie and a tart, which system represents this?

  1. A. 3p + 2t = 14 and p + t = 6Correct
  2. B. 3p + 2t = 6 and p + t = 14
  3. C. 2p + 3t = 14 and p + t = 6
  4. D. 3p + 2t = 14 and p − t = 6

Answer: A. 3p + 2t = 14 and p + t = 6

Three pies and two tarts make 14; one of each makes 6. (Solution: p = 2, t = 4.)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 3p + 2t = 6 and p + t = 14
The totals are swapped.
C. 2p + 3t = 14 and p + t = 6
The counts are swapped.
D. 3p + 2t = 14 and p − t = 6
p − t = 6 turns the sum into a difference.

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