A box of candy containing two different types, weighs 10 pounds, and costs $14.55. One type of candy costs $1.50 a pound. The other type costs $1.35 a pound. How many pounds of each kind are there?

Let x equal the kind of candy that costs $1.50 a pound

Let y equal the kind of candy that costs $1.35 a pound

We're going to need to make a system of equations, or two equations with the same variables.

x + y = 10

1.5x + 1.35y = 14.55

Now, we're going to take the first equation and isolate a variable

x = 10-y

Next, we replace the x in the second equation with our new expression for x

1.5 (10-y) + 1.35y = 14.55

Solve for Y

15 - 1.5y + 1.35y = 14.55

15 - 0.15y = 14.55

-0.15y = - 0.45

y=3

Then, take the y value and plug it into either equation. We're going to use the first one because it's easier.

x + y = 10

x + 3 = 10

x = 7

Finally, plug your two numbers into the second equation to check.

1.5x + 1.35y = 14.55

1.5 (7) + 1.35 (3) = 14.55

10.50 + 4.05 = 14.55

14.55 = 14.55