How can unit rates be helpful at the supermarket?

Question

Riley Anderson · Accepted Answer

Unit rates allow us to easily compare the price of two or more similar products for equivalent amounts.

Example: Suppose you want to choose between two boxes of corn flakes. #color(white)("XXX")#One box weighs 18 oz. and costs $4.29; #color(white)("XXX")#the other weights 22 oz. and costs $5.19. Unless you have a calculator handy or really enjoy standing in the supermarket aisle doing mental arithmetic, it is difficult to decide which is the better deal. However if the unit prices are posted so that #color(white)("XXX")#the 18 oz. box indicates that it costs 23.8 cents/oz, and #color(white)("XXX")#the 22 oz. box indicates that it costs 24.7 cents/oz. we can easily see that the 18 oz. box is the better choice.

Genesis Amaya · Answer

undefined Unit rates can be helpful at the supermarket for various reasons:

1. Price Comparison: Unit rates allow shoppers to compare the cost per unit (e.g., per ounce, per pound, per item) of similar products from different brands or package sizes. This helps shoppers identify the best value for their money.

2. Budgeting: By knowing the unit price of items, shoppers can better plan their budget and make informed decisions about how much to spend on groceries.

3. Bulk Buying: Unit rates help shoppers determine if buying in bulk or larger quantities offers better value compared to smaller packages. This is particularly useful for frequently used items like rice, pasta, or toiletries.

4. Avoiding Waste: Understanding unit rates helps shoppers buy the appropriate amount of perishable goods, reducing the risk of food waste and saving money in the long run.

5. Finding Deals: Unit rates help shoppers identify sales or promotions that offer lower prices per unit than regular prices. This allows them to take advantage of discounts and save money on their grocery purchases.