Let's denote the number of copies of the book that Mr. Mateo ordered as \( x \). Each copy of the book weighs \( \frac{3}{5} \) pounds.
The weight of \( x \) copies of the book can be expressed as: \[ \text{Weight of books} = x \cdot \frac{3}{5} \text{ pounds} \]
Since the total weight of the box containing the supplies is 10 pounds, we can assume that the weight of the other supplies in the box also adds up to the total. Therefore, we can set up the following inequality where the total weight does not exceed 10 pounds: \[ x \cdot \frac{3}{5} + \text{Weight of other supplies} \leq 10 \]
To find the maximum number of book copies he can order, let's analyze the scenario where the weight of the other supplies is minimal (ideally zero for maximum copies). This gives us: \[ x \cdot \frac{3}{5} \leq 10 \]
To solve for \( x \), we first isolate \( x \): \[ x \leq 10 \div \frac{3}{5} \] \[ x \leq 10 \cdot \frac{5}{3} \] \[ x \leq \frac{50}{3} \] \[ x \leq 16.67 \]
Since \( x \) must be a whole number, the maximum number of copies Mr. Mateo could have ordered is: \[ x = 16 \]
Thus, the maximum number of copies of the book that Mr. Mateo could have ordered is 16 copies.