Question

UPS charges $7 for the first pound, and $0.20 for each additional pound. FedEx charges $5 for the first pound and $0.30 for each additional pound. How many pounds will it take for UPS and FedEx to cost the same? Define your variable, Write the equation, Solution

Answer 1

UPS charges are:

$ 7 for the firsr pound

+ $0.20

FedEx charges are:

$ 5 for the first pound

+ $ 0.30 for each additional pound

Let x to represent the amount of additional pounds

Equation:

7 + 0.20x = 5 + 0.30x

Like terms:

0.20x - 0.30x = 5 - 7

-0.10x = -2

Dividing by -0.10

-0.10x/- 0.10 = -2/-0.10

x = 20

Interpretation

It will take 21 pounds to cost the same: (the first plus 20 additional)