Math Problem Statement

A customer at a store paid $64 for 3 large candles and 4 small candles. At the same store, a second customer paid $4 more than the first customer for 1 large candle and 8 small candles. The price of each large candle is the same, and the price of each small candle is the same.

How much did each candle cost?

The small candle cost $_______.

Solution

Let xx be the price of a large candle, and yy be the price of a small candle. We can set up the following equations based on the information provided:

  1. From the first customer: 3x+4y=643x + 4y = 64

  2. From the second customer, who paid $4 more: x+8y=64+4=68x + 8y = 64 + 4 = 68

Now, we can solve these two equations step by step.

Step 1: Solve the second equation for xx

From the second equation: x+8y=68x + 8y = 68 x=688yx = 68 - 8y

Step 2: Substitute xx into the first equation

Now substitute xx into the first equation: 3(688y)+4y=643(68 - 8y) + 4y = 64 Distributing: 20424y+4y=64204 - 24y + 4y = 64 Combine like terms: 20420y=64204 - 20y = 64

Step 3: Solve for yy

Subtract 204 from both sides: 20y=64204-20y = 64 - 204 20y=140-20y = -140 Divide both sides by -20: y=7y = 7

Step 4: Substitute yy back to find xx

Now substitute y=7y = 7 back into the equation for xx: x=688(7)x = 68 - 8(7) x=6856x = 68 - 56 x=12x = 12

Thus, the price of each candle is:

  • Large candle: x=12x = 12
  • Small candle: y=7y = 7

The small candle cost $7.

If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to ask! Here are some follow-up questions you might consider:

  1. What would be the total cost if a customer bought 2 large candles and 5 small candles?
  2. How much would the first customer have saved if each candle was discounted by $2?
  3. If a third customer bought 4 large candles, how much would they pay?
  4. What is the price ratio of a large candle to a small candle?
  5. If the price of small candles increased by 10%, what would be their new price?

Tip: When dealing with systems of equations, substitution is a powerful method to simplify the problem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Systems of Equations

Formulas

3x + 4y = 64
x + 8y = 68

Theorems

Substitution Method

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9