Question

Paint can be purchased in two sizes: 1 gallon for $45.99 or 1 quart for $14.99.(round to the hundredths place)a.unit ratio of 1 quart (32oz) for $14.99is __________b.unit ratio of 1 gallon (128oz) for $45.99is __________c.which is the better deal?

Answer 1

a. $0.47 per ounce

b. $0.36 per ounce

c. the gallon size costs less per ounce

Explanation:

A unit rate is a rate that is expressed with one unit in the denominator. That is, it is <some amount> per unit. The <some amount> value will generally depend on what unit is chosen. This problem suggests the desired unit is 1 oz of paint.

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a.

Unit cost for a quart:

ratio = cost/ounces = $14.99/(32 oz) ≈ $0.468/oz ≈ $0.47/oz

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b.

Unit cost for a gallon:

ratio = cost/ounces = $45.99/(120 oz) ≈ $0.359/oz ≈ $0.36/oz

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c.

The cost per ounce is less for the gallon size. If at least 3 quarts of paint is needed, then buying it in the gallon size will cost less.

If less than 3 quarts are needed, then a gallon container will cost more than is necessary for the paint required. The "better deal" depends on the amount of paint required.