Question

Ray has $36 to buy masonry nails and finishing nails for his project. Masonry nails sell for $5.50 per box, and finishing nails cost $3.50 per box. Only full boxes are available for purchase. If Ray buys 3 boxes of masonry nails, what is the maximum number of boxes of finishing boxes he can buy?

Answer 1

I think the answer is 1 box.

Answer 2

5 boxes

Explanation:

Given that;

The total amount Ray has with him to buy masonary nails and finishing nails for his project is $36

If Masonry nails sell for $5.50 per box

Finishing nails cost $3.50 per box.

Now, Only full boxes are available for purchase.

If Ray buys 3 boxes of masonry nails

i.e 3 × $5.50 = $16.5

what is the maximum number of boxes of finishing boxes he can buy?

To determine the number of finishing nails boxes he can buy. we will subtract the expense spent on the prior 3 masonary nails from his total amount

i.e $36 - $16.5

= $19.5

Let's not forget that, only full boxes are available for purchase and not half or quarter.

SO since 1 finishing nail box cost $3.50

then let x finishing nail box cost $19.5

∴ (x) × $3.50 =1 × $19.5

(x) =
`(1*19.5)/(3.50)`

(x) = 5.57 boxes

Since full boxes are available for purchase then (x) ≅ 5 boxes, then Ray will be left with $2 at his pocket.

Therefore, the maximum number of boxes of finishing boxes he can buy is 5 boxes