Let's begin by assigning a letter to represent our unknown: x = lbs. of coffee at $7 per lb.
Now let's write an equation to express the cost of mixing the $7 per lb. coffee with the $4 per lb. coffee based upon how many pounds we have of each: (7)(x) + (4)(10) = (5)(x + 10)
Solving our equation for x: 7x + 40 = 5x + 50 7x - 5x = 50 - 40 2x = 10 x = 5 (lbs. of coffee at $7 per lb.)
We can verify our answer by plugging our answer back into our equation and checking to see that both sides balance: (7)(x) + (4)(10) = 5(x + 10) (7)(5) + 40 = 5(5 + 10) 35 + 40 = 25 + 50 75 = 75 (both sides balance)
Since both sides balance, we are confident that our answer is correct. Hope this helps !