If Bob bought 1 apple and 2 pears for $18.6, and Jerry bought 2 apples and 1 pear for $16.8, how much does 1 apple and 1 pear cost combined?
Let A = the price of 1 apple
Let P = the price of 1 pear
Note: Our goal is to determine the value of A + P
With Bob's purchase, we can write: A + 2P = 18.60
Similarly, with Jerry's purchase, we can write: 2A + P = 16.80
Now add the two equations to get: 3A + 3P = 35.40
Divide both sides of the equation by 3 to get: A + P = 11.80
So, the combined cost of 1 apple and 1 pear cost = $11.80
