A store is having a sale on choculate chips and walnuts. For 2 pounds of chocolate chips and 5 pounds of walnuts, the total cost is \( \$ 18 \). For 8 pounds of chocolate chips and 3 pounds of walnuts, the total cost is \( \$ 21 \). Find the coet for each pound of chocolate chips and each pound of walnuts. Cost for each pound of chocolate chips: \( \$ 1.50 \) poch pound of walnuts: \( 5 \square \)

Let \( x \) be the cost per pound of chocolate chips and \( y \) be the cost per pound of walnuts. **Step 1: Write the equations** For 2 pounds of chocolate chips and 5 pounds of walnuts, the total cost is \( \$18 \): \[ 2x + 5y = 18 \] For 8 pounds of chocolate chips and 3 pounds of walnuts, the total cost is \( \$21 \): \[ 8x + 3y = 21 \] **Step 2: Solve the system of equations using elimination** Multiply the first equation by 4 to match the coefficient of \( x \) in the second equation: \[ 4(2x + 5y) = 4(18) \quad \Longrightarrow \quad 8x + 20y = 72 \] Subtract the second equation from this new equation: \[ (8x + 20y) - (8x + 3y) = 72 - 21 \] \[ 8x + 20y - 8x - 3y = 51 \] \[ 17y = 51 \] Solve for \( y \): \[ y = \frac{51}{17} = 3 \] **Step 3: Substitute \( y \) back into one of the original equations** Using the first equation \( 2x + 5y = 18 \): \[ 2x + 5(3) = 18 \] \[ 2x + 15 = 18 \] Subtract 15 from both sides: \[ 2x = 3 \] \[ x = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5 \] **Final Answer:** - Cost for each pound of chocolate chips: \( \$1.50 \) - Cost for each pound of walnuts: \( \$3 \)