Can anyone help with this type of question?

[MCLC]

Hi all,

Can anyone explain how to answer the following type of question?

The cost of 3 apples, 5 oranges and 2 grapefruit is £3.02.
The cost of 5 apples, 7 oranges and 4 grapefruit is £5.12.
What is the total cost of one of each type of fruit?

[ToadMum]

Hi all,

Can anyone explain how to answer the following type of question?

The cost of 3 apples, 5 oranges and 2 grapefruit is £3.02.
The cost of 5 apples, 7 oranges and 4 grapefruit is £5.12.
What is the total cost of one of each type of fruit?

Hint: what is the difference in quantity of each type between the first and the second statement? Then divide the difference in cost by...

[Guest55]

I love this sort of question - I use them to demonstrate the perils of algebra. [Don't automatically use it before engaging your brain]

The clue is that they dont want individual cost of each fruit but a total cost of all three.

[cherry771001]

The cost of 3 apples, 5 oranges and 2 grapefruit is £3.02.
The cost of 5 apples, 7 oranges and 4 grapefruit is £5.12.

Work out the difference £5.12-£3.02=£2.10
£2.10 is the cost of 2 apples, 2 oranges and 2 grapefruit, so 1 apple, 1 orange and 1 grapefruit will be half of £2.10, so the answer will be £1.05

[MCLC]

Thanks both.

Have I worked it out correctly at £1.05?

[Guest55]

Yes, that's it. Sometimes you need to add the sentences rather than subtract but my 'clue' still stands.

[MCLC]

Thank you for confirming.

Do you have any other tips for this type of question? As in what to look for?

[Guest55]

As I said, the clue it that you don't need the individual cost of each item.

The sum or difference of the items will be the same.

I buy 3 ice-creams and 2 lollies for £4.
My friend buys 4 ice-creams and 3 lollies for £5.50.
How much is it to buy an ice-cream and a lolly?


Jane buys 8 cup cakes and 3 packs of crisps for £9.50
Henry buys 4 cup cakes and 9 packs of crisps for £8.50.
How much would it cost to buy a cup cake and a packet of crisps?

[drummer]

I happened to be watching a video online dealing with a similar (not the same) sort of question

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHojC4vF3A8

[MCLC]

Thank you very much both of you!