Question

To mail a package, the rate is x cents for the first pound and y cents for each additional pound, where x>y. Two packages weighing 3 pounds and 5 pounds, respectively, can be mailed separately or combined as one package. Which method is cheaper, and how much money is saved?

• A. Combined, with a savings of x-y cents
• B. Combined, with a savings of y-x cents
• C. Combined, with a savings of x cents
• D. Combined, with a savings of y cents
• E. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A Combined, with a savings of x-y cents

If packages are sent separately,

the cost would be: 2x + 6y cents

And if the two are combined as a single package: x + 7y cents.

Here,

(2x+6y - x -7y = x-y > 0 Since x > y)

so, we can conclude that the cost of sending packages separately is more than the combined method.

So, option A (Combined method is cheaper with a savings of x-y cents)