Question

A 15 lb. costs $19.50. At that same rate, how much would 12 1/2 lb. ham cost?

Answer 1

there are 2 ways to do this....

(1) find the unit rate....19.50 / 15 = 1.30 per lb.
for 12 1/2 (or 12.5) lbs = 1.30 * 12.5 = 16.25 <===

(2) proportion...
15 / 19.50 = 12.5 / x...15 lbs to 19.50 = 12.5 lbs to x
cross multiply
(15)(x) = (19.5)(12.5)
15x = 243.75
x = 243.75 / 15
x = 16.25 <==

Answer 2

Well determine the cost of one lb. To do that divide $19.50 by 15. This gives you $1.30 per lb. Multiply this by 12 1/2 to get your answer. This is $16.25