Michael breeds chickens and ducks. last month, he sold 50 chickens and 30 ducks for $550. this month, he sold 44 chickens and 36 ducks for $532. how much does a chicken cost, and how much does a duck cost?

So here is how we are going to solve the problem.
Let C be the cost of the chicken, and D as the cost of the duck.
The equation would be like this:
50c + 30d = 550 (divide this by 10)
5c + 3d = 55
3d = 55 - 5c (multiply by 3)
9d = 165 - 15c

Next,
44c + 36d = 532 (divide this by 4)
11c + 9d = 133
Now, substitute the value of 9d and it becomes
11c + 165 - 15c = 133
11c - 15c = 133 - 165
-4c = -32 (divide by -4)
c = 8

Therefore, the cost of each chicken is $8.00
Now going back to d,
9d = 165 - 15c (substitute c)
9d = 165 - 15(8)
9d = 165 - 120
9d = 45 (divide by 9)
d = 5

So the cost per duck is $5.00

Hope this helps.

put like terms together.orremember that the 45 becomes negative when moved to the other side.orthe minuses cancel out.