Final answer:
To determine the weight of 15 bags of empty aluminum cans, calculate the average weight of one bag by dividing 21 pounds by 7 bags, which is 3 pounds per bag. Multiply this by 15 to get 45 pounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
If 7 bags of empty aluminum cans weigh 21 pounds, we can determine the average weight of one bag by dividing the total weight by the number of bags. The average weight of one bag is 3 pounds (21 pounds ÷ 7 bags).
Now to find the weight of 15 bags, we simply multiply the average weight of one bag by the number of bags. This results in 45 pounds (3 pounds per bag × 15 bags).
We can conclude that 15 bags of empty aluminum cans weigh 45 pounds. Since the number of bags is an exact count, it does not factor into the precision of the final answer, so it is not considered in the significant figures.