Final answer:
The cost of buying 5 pounds of tomatoes at $2.75 per pound is $13.75, which is more expensive than purchasing a 5-pound box for $11.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question deals with calculating the cost of tomatoes per pound when bought individually or in a bulk 5-pound box at a grocery mart. To find which option offers a better deal, we must compare the unit prices of both purchasing methods. The given information tells us that tomatoes are $2.75 per pound when bought individually, while a 5-pound box costs $11.
Firstly, let's calculate the cost of 5 pounds of tomatoes when purchased by the pound:
5 pounds × $2.75 = $13.75
Next, we compare this to the cost of a 5-pound box, which is $11. The 5-pound box is the more economical choice because it saves you $2.75 compared to buying the tomatoes individually by the pound. Therefore, option a. $13.75 is the total cost if you pay per pound instead of buying the bulk box.