Question

Bruce wants to have a laptop case shipped to his office. Company A charges a $10 shipping fee and $1 per pound. Company B charges a $12 shipping fee and $0.50 per pound. For how many pounds is the cost of both shipping companies the same?

Which equation represents the problem, where p is the number of pounds of the package?


A)
10+p=12+0.5p

B)
10+0.1p=12+0.5p

C)
10p+1=12p+0.5

D)
10p+0.1=12p+0.5

Solve the equation. Write the solution as a whole number.

p= __

Answer 1

Option A) 10+p = 12 + 0.5p

p = 4 lbs

Explanation:

Company A = 10 + 1p

Company B = 12 + 0.5p

Which equation represents the problem, where p is the number of pounds of the package?

10+p = 12 + 0.5p

This is option A)

For how many pounds is the cost of both shipping companies the same?Solve for p:

10+p = 12 + 0.5p

p = 12-10 + 0.5p

p = 2 + 0.5p

p - 0.5p = 2

0.5p = 2

p = 2/0.5 = 4 lbs

Check your work:

Substitute p = 4 lbs into both equations & see if you get the same cost.

Company A = 10 + 1p = 10+ 4 = 14

Company B = 12 + 0.5p = 12 + 0.5(4) = 12+ 2 = 14