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AlgebraMediumSystem for a purchase problem

Algebra practice question

Three cakes and two pies cost $19, and one cake and one pie cost $8. If c and p are the prices of a cake and a pie, which system represents this?

  1. A. 3c + 2p = 19 and c + p = 8Correct
  2. B. 3c + 2p = 8 and c + p = 19
  3. C. 2c + 3p = 19 and c + p = 8
  4. D. 3c + 2p = 19 and c − p = 8

Answer: A. 3c + 2p = 19 and c + p = 8

Three cakes and two pies make 19; one of each makes 8. (Solution: c = 3, p = 5.)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 3c + 2p = 8 and c + p = 19
The totals are swapped.
C. 2c + 3p = 19 and c + p = 8
The counts are swapped.
D. 3c + 2p = 19 and c − p = 8
c − p = 8 turns a sum into a difference.

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