Final answer:
The equation to determine the shipping cost s for a package weighing p pounds is s = 7.36 + 0.45(p - 3). This considers the $7.36 base cost plus $0.45 for each pound over 3 pounds. A step-by-step explanation was provided along with an example calculation for a 5-pound package.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the cost, s, to ship a package with a weight of p pounds using the shipping company's pricing structure, we can set up the following equation:
s = 7.36 + 0.45(p - 3)
This equation incorporates the base charge of $7.36 and adds an additional charge of $0.45 for each pound over 3 pounds. Notably, this charge is only applied if the package weighs more than 3 pounds, hence the subtraction of 3 from the weight p in pounds.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
Determine the base charge for the first 3 pounds, which is $7.36.
Calculate the additional weight over 3 pounds by subtracting 3 from the total weight p.
Multiply this additional weight by the rate of $0.45 per pound.
Add the result from step 3 to the base charge to get the total shipping cost.
Example: If a package weighs 5 pounds (p = 5), the cost to ship would be calculated as follows:
s = 7.36 + 0.45(5 - 3) = 7.36 + 0.45(2) = 7.36 + 0.90 = 8.26
Therefore, the shipping cost for a 5-pound package would be $8.26.