Answer:
Michelle purchased 70 tomato plants and 60 bell pepper plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lets create a system of equations. Lets substitute x for the amount of tomato plants and y for bell pepper plants.
x+y=130
1.50x+2y=225
Lets use the substitution method.
Isolate y.
y=130-x
Substitute 130-x for y in the second equation.
x1.50+2(130-x)=225
Use the distributive property.
1.50x+260-2x=225
Combine like terms.
-0.5x+260=225
Subtract 260 on both sides.
-0.5x=35 or 0.5x=35
Now divide both sides by -0.5. Remember that dividing by a decimal or fraction actually multiplies by the reciprocal. So 35 divided by 1/2 would equal 35 multiplied by 2/1.
x=70
Substitute x in the equation to solve for y.
1.50(70)+2y=225
Multiply.
105+2y=225
Subtract 105 on both sides.
2y=120
Divide both sides by 2 to isolate y.
y=60
X is equal to 70 and y is equal to 60.
Just to check, substitute our known values for variables.
1.5(70)+2(60)=225
Multiply.
105+120=225.
Add.
225=225. Its correct!
Hope this helps!
