Final answer:
The correct equation that represents the cost (c) as a function of pounds of strawberries (p) is c = 1.38p. This equation aligns with the principle that cost is equal to the price per unit times the quantity purchased, which is demonstrated across multiple examples in the provided chapters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking how to write an equation that relates the cost (c) to the pounds of strawberries (p). Since the grocer buys strawberries for $1.38 per pound, the cost is directly proportional to the pounds. Therefore, to calculate the total cost, we multiply the price per pound by the number of pounds.
Using the examples provided from different chapters, we can see a consistent pattern:
These examples clearly demonstrate that the cost is found by multiplication of the price per unit times the quantity. Applying this to the grocer's situation, if the price per pound is $1.38, and the grocer buys p pounds, the total cost would be:
c = 1.38p
Therefore, the correct equation is Option 1: c = 1.38p.