Question

The Artisan Pizza Co sells take-out pizza in two shapes: an “individual” 6-in. square slice and a circular “party” wheel with an 18 in. diameter. The party wheel is cut into 8 slices/sectors for the customer. An individual square slice costs $2.95 and the entire party wheel costs $15.95.

Which option is the better value, buying 8 square slices or buying the party wheel?

Answer 1

party wheel.........

Answer 2

party wheel

Explanation:

Obviously, the Party Wheel, at about $16 is less expensive for 8 servings than 8 square slices at about $24. But that's not the whole story. The Party Wheel servings are smaller.

The area of a Party Wheel slice is ...

sector area = (πr²)/8 = π(9 in)²/8 ≈ 31.81 in² . . . . somewhat less than 36 in²

So, its cost per square inch is ...

unit cost of Party Wheel = ($15.95)/(8×31.81) ≈ $0.06268

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The cost per square inch of an Individual Slice is ...

$2.95/(6 in)² ≈ $0.08194

The latter is about 30% higher cost for the same area as a Party Wheel.

_____

The Party Wheel is lower cost for the same area, and also for the same number of (smaller) servings. It is the better value if you need all that.