Example

Solving a Nut Mix Application Using a System of Equations

A system of linear equations is an effective tool for solving food mixture applications that involve combining two ingredients to meet specific weight and cost requirements. Consider a scenario where 55 pounds of a nut mix is desired, using peanuts (priced at $4\$4 per pound) and cashews (priced at $9\$9 per pound), with an overall budget constraint of $6\$6 per pound. By letting pp be the pounds of peanuts and cc be the pounds of cashews, the total weight constraint is modeled as p+c=5p + c = 5. The total cost constraint is modeled by adding the value of each component and setting it equal to the total value of the mixture: 4p+9c=5(6)4p + 9c = 5(6), which gives 4p+9c=304p + 9c = 30. Solving this system using the elimination method involves multiplying the weight equation by 4-4 (resulting in 4p4c=20-4p - 4c = -20) and adding it to the cost equation. This eliminates pp and yields 5c=105c = 10, so c=2c = 2. Substituting c=2c = 2 back into the first equation (p+2=5p + 2 = 5) gives p=3p = 3. Verifying the cost confirms that 33 pounds of peanuts and 22 pounds of cashews accurately produce the required 55-pound mixture at the target price.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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