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Function of the Day:

Shopping for Groceries
Christine is looking to help her father prepare dinner for the family. She has a choice of two stores to go pick up a few cans of French style green beans. Both store prices for the green beans are listed below. One store does not carry paper or plastic bags to carry groceries and charges $2 for a canvas bag to carry groceries, while the other provides free bags.

Store A

Number of
Cans
1
2
3
4
5
Total Cost
$3.50
$5
$6.50
$8
$9.50

Store B

Number of
Cans
1
2
3
4
5
Total Cost
$1.50
$3
$4.50
$6
$7.50
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1 answer

Based on the provided information about the two stores and their prices for French style green beans, here are ten key observations:

  1. Store A's Pricing Structure: Store A charges a flat price for the cans, resulting in a total cost that increases with the number of cans purchased. Pricing per can shows a consistent increment of $1.50.

  2. Store B's Pricing Structure: Store B also has a flat price for the cans, with similar increments for each can purchased. The price increases by $1.50 for each additional can purchased.

  3. Cost Comparison for Individual Cans: The unit price for each can is the same for both stores:

    • Store A: 1 can = $3.50, 2 cans = $5, which breaks down to $3.50 and $2.50 respectively thereafter.
    • Store B: 1 can = $1.50, 2 cans = $3, which breaks down to $1.50 and $1.50 respectively thereafter.

  4. Free Bag vs. Canvas Bag Cost: Store A does not provide free bags, and customers can buy a bag for $2, which increases the total expenditure if a bag is needed. Store B provides free bags.

  5. Total Cost for a Given Number of Cans: For both stores, the total cost would need to include the cost of a bag at Store A if Christine needs one. For example, if Christine buys 3 cans from Store A, the total would be $6.50 plus $2 for the bag, totaling $8.50.

  6. Overall Comparison for Multiple Cans: By buying 5 cans:

    • Store A costs $9.50 + $2 bag = $11.50
    • Store B costs $7.50 and includes the free bag.

  7. Best Value Store for Multiple Cans: For larger quantities, Store B offers a better deal as the total cost will remain lower because there is no additional bag charge.

  8. Store B's Advantage: Store B’s lower prices per can, along with the inclusion of bags at no extra cost, make it more appealing for budget-conscious shoppers.

  9. Shopping Decision Factors: Christine could decide based on not only the total cost for the groceries but also the convenience of bagging.

  10. Further Considerations: Consideration of brands, quality of product, and distance to stores might also influence Christine’s final decision, although price is a significant factor based on this information.

These observations provide a comprehensive understanding of the choices and implications for Christine as she makes her decision on where to shop for groceries.