A store sells apples at $1.20 per pound and oranges at $1.80 per pound. A customer buys 5 pounds more apples than oranges and spends a total of $33.00. How many pounds of oranges did the customer buy?

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:59:47 +0000

**Why Americans Are Solving This Smart Pricing Puzzle**
Whether tracking grocery inflation or planning weekly meals, a simple price and quantity problem has sparked curiosity online: A convenience store sells apples at $1.20 per pound and oranges at $1.80 per pound. If a regular buys 5 more pounds of apples than oranges and spends exactly $33.00, how much orange did they buy? This kind of calculation reflects growing interest in budgeting smarter amid shifting food prices. With rising grocery costs and smarter shopping habits, many Americans are turning to logical problem-solving to stretch their food dollars effectively. **Why This Pricing Pair Attracts Attention**
The $1.20-to-$1.80 price gap mimics real-world retail pricing patterns, making it relatable to budget-conscious shoppers. As inflation quietly shapes spending routines, detailed breakdowns of food cost logic have gained traction. The exact $33.00 total and 5-pound difference present a practical equation—ideal for users searching for actionable, real-life math. This trend aligns with mobile-first learning habits: users seek quick, reliable answers without complexity. **Breaking Down the Calculation Clearly**
Let’s solve the mystery step by step:
Let “x” represent pounds of oranges. Then apples equal “x + 5.”
Total cost equation:
$1.20(x + 5) + $1.80(x) = $33.00
Expand: 1.20x + 6.00 + 1.80x = 33.00
Combine: 3.00x + 6.00 = 33.00
Subtract: 3.00x = 27.00
Solve: x = 9 Thus, the customer bought 9 pounds of oranges and 14 pounds of apples.