Simultaneous Equations
2s + 3f = 41
3s + 2f = 44
(x2) 4s + 6f = 82
(x3) 9s + 6f = 132
'If the signs are the same, subtract'
4s - 9s = -5s
82 - 132 = -50
-5s = -50 Therefore s = 10
Now, substitute back into the equation
(2 x 10) + 3f = 41
20 + 3f = 41
Balance the equation: subtract 20 from both sides
41 - 20 = 21
3f = 21
3f/3 = f
21/3 = 7
f = 7
s + f = x
10 + 7 = 17 pounds