Problema Solution

Strawberry jam costs 20p per pot more than a pot of marmalade.

Two pots of strawberry jam and three pots of marmalade cost £7.65.

Workout out the cost of a pot of marmalade

Answer provided by our tutors

Let

m = the cost of a pot of marmalade, m>=0

s = the cost of a pot of strawberry jam, s>=0

Strawberry jam costs 20p per pot more than a pot of marmalade:

s = m + 20

2 pots of strawberry jam and 3 pots of marmalade cost £7.65 = 765 p:

2s + 3m = 765

We have the following system of equations:

s = m + 20

2s + 3m = 765

........

click here to see the system of equations solved for s and m

........

m = 145 p = £1.45

s = 165 = £1.65

The cost of a pot of marmalade is £1.45.