How do you solve this (algebra)?

By using the subsitution/elimination method:








A florist will make up bouquets of different flowers. The rates and bouquets are listed below. If the flowers cost the same individually or in a bouquet, how much does one orchid cost?





Small bouquet:


2 snapdragons, 1 rose, 1 orchid $8


Medium bouquet:


5 snapdragons, 3 roses, 2 orchids $19


Large bouquet:


8 snapdragons, 5 roses, 5 orchids $38








I appreciate the clarificatio! It's a study question of mine, and I'm a bit confused..

How do you solve this (algebra)?
i wish i could help u i failded all my math classes lmaoo :)
Reply:uh.. i dont really get the question, but one orchid is $8. (if thats what its asking?)
Reply:Answer: Orchid = $4





Setup the equations


2s+1r+1c = 8 (c=orchid)


5s+3r+2c=19


8s+5r+5c=38





3 equations, 3 unknowns can be solved.





The first equation can be multiplied by (-5) to eliminate two variables from the third equation





(-5)(2s+1r+1c) = (8)(-5)





-10s-5r-5c=-40


Add this to third equation, yields


-2s = -2


s=1





Now that you know snapdragons are $1. Plug 1 in for s





2+r+c=8


5+3r+2c=19


8+5r+2c=38





This is an easier set of equations. Just do a substitution to get the final answer.
Reply:Set it up into a system of equations.


x = snapdragons


y = roses


z = orchids


2x + y + z = 8


5x + 3y + 2z = 19


8x + 5y + 5z = 38


Use two equations to eliminate a variable, solve for another, plug it into remaining ones - and there you go!


Good luck