Question bank / Ratios, rates, proportional relationships, and units

Math · Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy

The cost of cherries at a market is proportional to their weight. If 33 pounds of cherries cost $13.50\$13.50, what is the cost of 55 pounds of cherries?

A

$15.50\$15.50

B

$18.00\$18.00

C

$22.50\$22.50

D

$67.50\$67.50

Show answer and explanation

Answer: C

The cost per pound is 13.503=4.50\frac{13.50}{3} = 4.50 dollars. For 55 pounds, the cost is 5×4.50=22.505 \times 4.50 = 22.50 dollars, or $22.50\$22.50.

Choice D multiplies $13.50\$13.50 by 55, which is the cost of 1515 pounds, not 55 pounds.

Why the other choices are wrong

  • A. This adds $2 for the 2 extra pounds, but the cost grows by a rate per pound, $4.50, not by $1 per pound.
  • B. This is the cost of 4 pounds, $13.50 + $4.50. Five pounds cost 5 × $4.50.
  • D. This multiplies $13.50 by 5, which is the cost of 15 pounds, not 5 pounds.
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