Final answer:
The equation 0.9c+1.89r=17.01 is a high school algebra problem involving the calculation of quantities of chicken and ribs that can be purchased with a budget of $17.01. Understanding this concept can also provide insights into economic principles such as the relationship between price and consumption as well as shifts in demand curves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation 0.9c+1.89r=17.01 represents a linear equation in two variables, commonly encountered in high school mathematics, specifically in algebra. This equation can be used to determine how many pounds of chicken (c) and ribs (r) a chef can buy given the constraints of his budget and the cost per pound of each meat. The cost per pound of chicken is $0.90, and the cost per pound of ribs is $1.89. By solving this system of equations, possibly using methods such as substitution or elimination, the student can find the exact quantity of chicken and ribs that amount to $17.01.
For context in real-world economics, one can look at trends in meat consumption and pricing. For example, per-person consumption of chicken in the United States has increased significantly from 1980 to 2014, shifting the demand curve rightward due to changes in tastes. Such market trends affect the equilibrium price and quantity of goods. An understanding of algebra allows students to dissect such economic situations and understand the impact of price changes on the equilibrium quantity.