Question

To mail a package, the rate is x cents for the first pound and y cents for each additional pound, where x>y. two packages weighing 3 pounds and 5 pounds, respectively, can be mailed separately or combined as one package. which method is cheaper, and how much money is saved?

Answer 1

The two packages mailed together is cheaper.
If seperately:
3 pounds package= $(x+2y)
5 pounds package= $(x+4y)
If combined:
3+5=8 pounds
= $(x+7y)
amount of money saved=$[(x+2y)+(x+4y)]-$(x+7y)