Final answer:
By comparing the cost per pound of the 2-pound and 15-pound boxes, it is determined that the 2-pound box at $1.76 per pound is the better buy over the 15-pound box at $1.78 per pound.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which box of materials is the better buy, we need to calculate the price per pound for each option and compare them. For the 2-pound box, the price is $3.52. The price per pound would be $3.52 divided by 2 pounds, equating to $1.76 per pound.
The second option is a 15-pound box selling for $26.70, which means the price per pound is $26.70 divided by 15 pounds, or approximately $1.78 per pound. Comparing these two prices per pound, we can see that the 2-pound box at $1.76 per pound is the better buy compared to the 15-pound box at $1.78 per pound because it is cheaper.