If two lemons cost 15 cents, how many can be bought for 60 cents?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Answer:
8 lemons can be bought for 60 cents.
Explanation
To solve this problem, we need to first determine the cost of a single lemon and then use that information to calculate how many lemons can be bought for 60 cents.
We are told:
- 2 lemons cost 15 cents.
To find the cost of 1 lemon, we divide 15 cents by 2:152=7.5 cents per lemon\frac{15}{2} = 7.5 \text{ cents per lemon}215=7.5 cents per lemon
Now that we know each lemon costs 7.5 cents, we need to find out how many lemons can be bought for 60 cents.
To do that, divide the total amount of money (60 cents) by the cost of one lemon (7.5 cents):607.5=8\frac{60}{7.5} = 87.560=8
So, you can buy 8 lemons for 60 cents.
Let’s double-check:
- 1 lemon = 7.5 cents
- 8 lemons × 7.5 cents = 60 cents
Why this is correct:
This is a unit rate problem, where you’re given the cost of a small number of items and asked to scale up based on a budget. It tests your understanding of proportional reasoning and basic arithmetic.
An important part of solving word problems like this is:
- Understanding the question – You’re given a relationship (2 lemons = 15 cents) and a target amount (60 cents).
- Finding the unit rate – How much is 1 lemon?
- Using division – Divide the total money you have by the price of one unit to find how many units you can afford.
These kinds of problems are common in both everyday life and math tests. Whether you’re shopping or budgeting, knowing how to find unit prices and scale them helps make smart, quick decisions.
