Final answer:
Given that 8 lbs of apples cost $17.20, the cost per pound is $2.15. Therefore, one can purchase 20 lbs of apples for $43.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking how many pounds of apples can be purchased for $43, given that the cost of apples varies directly with the number of apples bought and that 8 lb of apples cost $17.20. To solve this, we use the concept of direct variation or proportional reasoning. Since 8 lbs cost $17.20, we can find the cost per pound by dividing the total cost by the number of pounds:
$17.20 ÷ 8 lb = $2.15 per lb
Now, with the cost per pound, we can calculate how many pounds of apples can be bought with $43:
$43 ÷ $2.15 per lb = 20 lbs
Therefore, one can purchase 20 pounds of apples for $43.