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Calculate $10 for 4 pounds

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Ratios, unit rates, compare deals · Foundations

Step by step

The question

Question: $10 for 4 pounds.

How much for 1 pound?

$10 for 4 pounds

A unit rate tells us how much for just 1.

Here: dollars for 1 pound.

unit rate = how much for 1

1 Write it as a fraction

We write it as a fraction.

The money goes on top.

The pounds go on the bottom.

= $104 pounds

2 Divide to get 1 at the bottom

We want 1 pound on the bottom.

4 divided by 4 is 1.

We divide the top by 4 too, so the rate stays the same.

= $10 ÷ 44 pounds ÷ 4

10 divided by 4 is 2.5.

So it is 2 dollars and 50 cents for 1 pound.

= $2.501 pound

Per means for each.

So the unit rate is 2 dollars and 50 cents per pound.

= $2.50 per pound

3 Check

Let's check: 4 pounds at 2 dollars and 50 cents per pound.

4 times 2.5 is 10.

That is 10 dollars, so it is right!

4 × $2.50 = $10

Let's look back.

First: write it as a fraction.

Then: divide to get 1 at the bottom.

Last: check.

Answer
= $2.50 per pound

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

$9 for 3 pounds
Show the answer
$3 per pound

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