Cherries $5 per pound and oranges per pound$2. he paid 18.00 for total weight which was 6 lbs how many pounds of cherries did alex buy

2 lbs of cherries

Cherries = $5 per pound
Oranges = $2 per pound
Total Cost = $18
Total weight = 6 lb


Define x and y

Let x be the number of lb of cherries
Let y be the number of lb of oranges


Construct equations

x + y = 6                (1)
5x + 2y = 18         (2)


Solve x and y

From equation (1):
x + y = 6 
x = 6 - y 


Substitute x = 6 - y into equation 2

5x + 2y = 18
5 (6 - y) + 2y = 18
30 - 5y + 2y = 18
3y = 30 - 18
3y = 12
y = 4


Substitute y = 4 into equation (1)

x + y = 6
x + 4 = 6
x = 2


Find the weight of cherries and oranges

Cherry = x = 2 lb
Oranges = y = 4 lbs 


Alex bought 2 lb of cherries