If 3 apples and 2 pears cost $8, and 1 apple and 4 pears cost $6, how much does a single apple cost?
$2
Multiply the second equation by 2: 2 apples + 8 pears = $12. Subtract from the first: (3a+2p) - (2a+8p) = 8 - 12 -> a - 6p = -4? Let's check: 3a+2p=8, 1a+4p=6 -> a = 6 - 4p. Substitute: 3(6-4p) + 2p = 8 -> 18 - 12p + 2p = 8 -> 10 = 10p -> p = 1. Then a = 6 - 4(1) = 2.
About this riddle
Math riddles hide a calculation inside a short story. Pull out the numbers, work out what is being asked, and watch for a trick such as a unit change.
Difficulty: Hard. More like this: Math riddles with answers or try Target 24 for a different kind of puzzle.
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