The equation which best represents this scenario and is solved for y, the number of pounds of walnuts he can buy, is . Tomas buys 1 pound of walnuts. He can spend a total of $12.00. Since he bought 3 pounds of granola for $2.00 a pound, subtract $6.00 from $12.00. Walnuts costs $6.00 a pound. Divide the remainder by $6.00 to find the number of pounds he can buy. This scenario can be solved using logic like above or with a two variable equation.
<h3>Further Explanation </h3>
Logically using each of the details of the problem gives the following calculations:
- Unknown number of walnuts at $6.00 per pound
- 3 pounds of granola at $2.00 per pound of granola is a total of $6.00 spent
- Tomas can only spend a total of $12.00
This means Tomas has 12.00 - 6.00 = $6.00 left to purchase Walnuts. If Walnuts cost $6.00 a pound, then he can buy 1 pound. But this isn't the only way to find the number of pounds of walnuts.
You can also write a two variable equation where x represents the number of pounds of granola and y represents the number of pounds of walnuts. To write the equation, multiply each variable by its cost per pound. Granola that costs $2.00 per pound is 2x. Walnuts which costs $6.00 per pound is 6y. The total cost is put them together by adding, 2x + 6y = 12. An equation allows you to find out many possible solutions for Tomas' shopping trip. Because he already bought 3 pounds of granola, there is only one solution for y.
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<h3>Answer Details</h3>
Grade: Middle School
Subject: Algebra 1
Chapter: Solving Linear Equations
Keywords: linear, variable, per pound, unit rate, function, solving equations