Final answer:
To purchase 10 computer mouse pads, the preferred method of purchase would be Method 2 with a total cost of $30.00.
Step-by-step explanation:
To purchase 10 computer mouse pads, you would want to compare the prices and choose the method of purchase that would result in the lowest total cost. Let's calculate the total cost for each method:
- Method 1: Price per mouse pad is $3.95
Total cost = (Price per mouse pad) x (Number of mouse pads) = $3.95 x 10 = $39.50 - Method 2: Price per mouse pad is $3.00
Total cost = (Price per mouse pad) x (Number of mouse pads) = $3.00 x 10 = $30.00 - Method 3: Price per mouse pad is $3.20
Total cost = (Price per mouse pad) x (Number of mouse pads) = $3.20 x 10 = $32.00 - Method 4: Price per mouse pad is $3.10
Total cost = (Price per mouse pad) x (Number of mouse pads) = $3.10 x 10 = $31.00 - Method 5: Price per mouse pad is $3.50
Total cost = (Price per mouse pad) x (Number of mouse pads) = $3.50 x 10 = $35.00
Based on the calculations, Method 2 would be the preferred method of purchase as it has the lowest total cost of $30.00.