Julie spent $54 on some mangoes, starfruits and persimmons in the ratio of 2 : 4 : 3. The number of mangoes was ³₄ the number of starfruits. The ratio of the number of persimmons to the number of starfruits was 5 : 2. The mangoes were sold at 3 for a dollar.

1. How many fruits did she buy altogether?
2. How much did each starfruit cost?

Amount spent
Mangoes	Starfruits	Persimmons	Total
2 u	4 u	3 u	9 u

Total amount spent on fruits
= 2 u + 4 u + 3 u
= 9 u

9 u = 54

1 u = 54 ÷ 9 = 6

Amount that Julie spent on mangoes
= 2 u
= 2 x 6
= $12 

Total number of mangoes that Julie bought
= 12 x 3
= 36

Number of fruits bought
Mangoes	Starfruits	Persimmons
3x1	4x1
	2x2	5x2
3 p	4 p	10 p

The number of starfruits bought is repeated.  Make the number of starfruits the same.  LCM of 2 and 4 is 4.

3 p = 36

1 p = 36 ÷ 3 = 12

Total number of fruits that Julie bought
= 3 p + 4 p + 10 p
= 17 p
= 17 x 12
= 204

(b)
Total number of starfruits that Julie bought
= 4 p
= 4 x 12
= 48

Total amount that Julie paid for the starfruits
= 4 u
= 4 x 6
= $24

Price of each starfruit
= 24 ÷ 48
= $0.50 

Answer(s): (a) 204; (b) $0.50