Which is the better buy?

Question

5 tons of sawdust for $3,500.00.
515 pounds of sawdust for $288.40

Answer 1

To determine the better buy, we need to calculate the cost per pound of sawdust for both options.

1. 5 tons of sawdust for $3,500.00:

   • 1 ton = 2,000 pounds
   • Therefore, 5 tons = 5 × 2,000 = 10,000 pounds
   • Cost per pound = Total cost / Total pounds = $3,500.00 / 10,000 pounds = $0.35 per pound

2. 515 pounds of sawdust for $288.40:

   • Cost per pound = Total cost / Total pounds = $288.40 / 515 pounds = approximately $0.56 per pound

Comparison:

• The first option (5 tons for $3,500.00) costs approximately $0.35 per pound.
• The second option (515 pounds for $288.40) costs approximately $0.56 per pound.

Conclusion: The better buy is 5 tons of sawdust for $3,500.00, as it is cheaper at $0.35 per pound compared to $0.56 per pound for the second option.