Final answer:
The correct verb phrase (VP) in the sentence is 'cooks prepare'. The verb 'prepare' is paired with the subject 'cooks', constituting the verb phrase and indicating the action performed by the cooks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The verb phrase (VP) in the sentence "The cooks prepare 500 warm meals for the residents." is 'cooks prepare'. A verb phrase consists of a main verb and can include up to four verb forms such as the main verb, auxiliaries, modals, and participle forms. In this sentence, 'prepare' is the main verb that denotes the action being carried out by the subject 'cooks'. Therefore, option a) 'cooks prepare' is the correct answer.
The number '500' acts as a quantifier specifying the number of meals, and 'warm meals' is the direct object receiving the action of the verb, making neither b) 'warm meals' nor d) '500 meals' the verb phrase. Option c) 'for the residents' is a prepositional phrase indicating the beneficiaries of the action and is not part of the verb phrase.