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At a cafeteria, Mary orders two pieces of toast and a bagel, which comes out to $3.15. Gary orders a bagel and a muffin, which comes out to $3.50. Larry orders a piece of toast, two bagels, and three muffins, which comes out to $8.15. How many cents does one bagel cost?

 Feb 20, 2024
 #1
avatar+1622 
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t = cost of toast, b = cost of bagel, m = cost of muffin

2t + b = 3.15                              Equation 1

b + m = 3.5                                 Equation 2

t + 2b + 3m = 8.15                      Equation 3

 

Use elimination:

2*Equation 3 - Equation 1:

2t + 4b + 6m - 2t - b = 16.3 - 3.15; 3b + 6m = 13.15                      Equation 3.1

6*Equation2 - Equation 3.1:

6b + 6m - 3b - 6m = 21 - 13.15

3b = 7.85

b = 261.666666666... cents

 

So, a bagel costs (roughly) 262 cents.

 Feb 20, 2024

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