Vincent can buy flowers in packages of 3 for 2.50 or in packages of 2 for 1. How much money does he save by buying 18 flowers at the better price?
Get the complete, step-by-step math solution for: "Vincent can buy flowers in packages of 3 for 2.50 or in packages of 2 for 1. How much money does he save by buying 18 flowers at the better price?". Powered by SolveForX AI math tutor.
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Calculate cost per flower for package of 3
First, we determine the cost per flower for the package of 3. We divide the total cost of the package by the number of flowers it contains.
Step 2: Calculate approximate cost per flower for package of 3
Performing the division, we find that each flower in the 3-pack costs approximately $0.8333.
Step 3: Calculate cost per flower for package of 2
Next, we determine the cost per flower for the package of 2. We divide the total cost of this package by the number of flowers it contains.
Step 4: Calculate exact cost per flower for package of 2
Performing the division, we find that each flower in the 2-pack costs exactly $0.50.
Step 5: Identify the better price
Comparing the cost per flower, 0.50 per flower from the 2-pack is less than approximately 0.8333 per flower from the 3-pack. So, the 2-pack offers the better price.
Step 6: Calculate the number of 2-packs needed
To buy 18 flowers at the better price (using 2-packs), we need to find out how many 2-packs are required. We divide the total desired flowers by the number of flowers in each 2-pack.
Step 7: Calculate the total cost with the better price
Now we calculate the total cost for 18 flowers using the cheaper 2-pack option by multiplying the number of 2-packs needed by the cost of one 2-pack.
Step 8: Calculate the number of 3-packs needed (if buying at higher price)
To calculate the savings, we also need to find out the cost if Vincent bought 18 flowers using the more expensive 3-packs. First, we find how many 3-packs are needed.
Step 9: Calculate the total cost with the higher price
Then, we calculate the total cost for 18 flowers using the 3-pack option by multiplying the number of 3-packs needed by the cost of one 3-pack.
Step 10: Calculate the total savings
Finally, to find the money saved, we subtract the total cost at the better price from the total cost at the higher price.