Jacob needs 48 ounces of tomatoes for the spaghetti sauce. He is choosing between the two brands shown. Explain how Jacob can determine which is the better value.

Question

A 2-column table with 2 rows. Column 1 is labeled Brand A with entries 8 ounces, 2 dollars and 99 cents. Column 2 is labeled brand B with entries 16 ounces, 4 dollars and 99 cents.

Answer 1

To determine which brand offers the better value for tomatoes, Jacob can calculate the cost per ounce for each brand. Here’s how he can do that step by step:

1. Calculate the price per ounce for each brand.

   • Brand A:

     • This brand comes in a package of 8 ounces for $2.99.
     • Cost per ounce = Total price / Total ounces
     • Cost per ounce for Brand A = $2.99 / 8 ounces
     • Cost per ounce for Brand A ≈ $0.37375 (or about 37.4 cents per ounce)

   • Brand B:

     • This brand comes in a package of 16 ounces for $4.99.
     • Cost per ounce = Total price / Total ounces
     • Cost per ounce for Brand B = $4.99 / 16 ounces
     • Cost per ounce for Brand B ≈ $0.311875 (or about 31.2 cents per ounce)

2. Compare the cost per ounce of both brands:

   • Brand A: approximately 37.4 cents per ounce
   • Brand B: approximately 31.2 cents per ounce

3. Determine which brand is more economical:

   • Since Brand B has a lower cost per ounce (31.2 cents) compared to Brand A (37.4 cents), Brand B is the better value.

4. Calculate the total cost to purchase 48 ounces from each brand, if needed:

   • Brand A:

     • Jacob would need 6 packages of 8 ounces (48 ounces / 8 ounces per package)
     • Total cost for Brand A = 6 packages × $2.99 = $17.94

   • Brand B:

     • Jacob would need 3 packages of 16 ounces (48 ounces / 16 ounces per package)
     • Total cost for Brand B = 3 packages × $4.99 = $14.97

5. Final Conclusion:

   • Brand B is the better value, offering a lower cost per ounce and a lower total cost for 48 ounces of tomatoes, making it the more economical choice for Jacob.