Jason purchased 2 popcorns and 3 soft drinks for a total of $23. Ann purchased 3 popcorns and 4 soft drinks for a total of $32.50. How much does the popcorn cost?

popcorn cost $5.50 and the soft drinks cost $4

Popcorn is $5.50; soft drinks are $4.00

Step-by-step explanation:

popcorn=p

soft drinks=s

set up a system of equations for both people

2p+3s=23

3p+4s=32.50

multiply the top equation by 3 and the bottom equation by 2 to get

6p+9s=69

6p+8s=65

subtract the bottom equation from the top equation

(6-6) p + (9-8) s = (69-65)

s=4

plug in 4 for s in either equation

2p+3 (4) = 23

2p+12=23

2p=11

p=5.50