Final answer:
Rewriting the equation allows for ease of calculation and clearer understanding depending on whether the chef prioritizes chicken or ribs, or needs to make comparisons. It also allows for flexibility in adapting to market demands, referencing USDA data on meat consumption changes. However, it may not be as clear when comparing the direct cost relationships between meats.
Step-by-step explanation:
The given equation 0.90c + 1.89r = 17.01 represents the relationship between the cost of chicken and ribs and the total amount spent by the chef. Rewriting the equation in different forms, such as a) c = 18.9 - 2.1r, b) r = -10/21c + 9, or in terms of comparing costs with different variables can be helpful for various reasons:
- Form a) makes it easy to see how the amount of chicken (c) changes as the quantity of ribs (r) changes. It's useful if you want to prioritize buying chicken.
- Form b) is helpful if you're focusing on ribs (r) and want to quickly see how the quantity of ribs you can buy changes with varying amounts of chicken (c).
- Comparing costs with different variables allows for a more versatile analysis depending on the chef's purchasing strategy or the needs of a recipe.
On the other hand, rewriting the equation might not be helpful if it obscures the relationship between the costs of ribs and chicken, which are important for budgeting decisions.
Regarding economics, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has noted significant changes in meat consumption over time. Understanding the costs associated with different meats can be important for chefs who want to adapt to shifts in market demand or consumer preferences, like the shift in demand curves for chicken and beef noted by the USDA.