Mrs George had a sum of money. If she bought 5 caramel apples and 7 mini cupcakes, she would have $48 left. If she bought 3 caramel apples and 8 mini cupcakes, she would have $49 left. Given that she had $98, how many caramel apples could she buy at most?
Cost of 1 caramel apple = 1 C
Cost of 1 mini cupcake = 1 M

5 C + 7 M + 48 = 98
5 C + 7 M = 98 - 48
5 C + 7 M = 50 ---- (1)

3 C + 8 M + 49 = 98
3 C + 8 M = 98 - 49 
3 C + 8 M = 49 ---- (2)

Make M the same.

(1) _{x 8}
40 C + 56 M = 400 ---- (3)

(2) _{x 7}
21 C + 56 M = 343 ---- (4)

(3) - (4) 
40 C - 21 C = 400 - 343
19 C = 57

1 C = 57 ÷ 19 = 3

Number of caramel apples that Mrs George can buy
= 98 ÷ 3
= 32 r 2

Most number of caramel apples that Mrs George can buy = 32

Answer(s): 32