Question

Write a function rule that gives the total cost c(p) of pounds of sugar if each pound cost $.59

Answer 1

Answer: c(p) = 0.59*p

All we do is multiply the price per pound (0.59) by the number of pounds (p). In this case, we don't know how many pounds there are. So we leave p as is. If for instance, we had 10 pounds, then we'd replace p with 10. The variable is simply a placeholder for the unknown number.