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) Separately, with a savings of x - y cents
(E) Separately, with a savings of y cents
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shankar.ashwin
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Assume x=5; y=3
Packing separately;
3 pounds - 5 + 6 = 11
5 pounds - 5 + 12 = 17
Total = 11+17=28
Together;
8 pounds - 5 + 21 = 26
Packing it combined is cheaper, with savings of 28-26=2 which is (x-y) A IMO
Packing separately;
3 pounds - 5 + 6 = 11
5 pounds - 5 + 12 = 17
Total = 11+17=28
Together;
8 pounds - 5 + 21 = 26
Packing it combined is cheaper, with savings of 28-26=2 which is (x-y) A IMO
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ripulgupta
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Assume both package weigh A and B pounds.
If mailed separately it would cost x + (A -1)y for first package and x + (B-1) y for second package. Total cost is 2x + ( A + B - 2) y ---- Eq1
If mailed together it would cost x + (A + B -1 ) y --- Eq2
Difference in cost Eq1 - Eq2 = x - y. As x > y money is being saved.
If mailed separately it would cost x + (A -1)y for first package and x + (B-1) y for second package. Total cost is 2x + ( A + B - 2) y ---- Eq1
If mailed together it would cost x + (A + B -1 ) y --- Eq2
Difference in cost Eq1 - Eq2 = x - y. As x > y money is being saved.
