Core Connections Integrated II, 2015
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Core Connections Integrated II, 2015 View details
1. Section 10.1
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Exercise 9 Page 550

Practice makes perfect
a Notice that the table's header says weight not above. This means the rate is fixed for certain intervals. For example, from 0 up to and including 1, the rate is fixed at $6.73. Therefore, the best way to describe this function is with a step function.
b Let's graph the step function in a coordinate plane.
a step function
c If Andres sends them as one package, we have a weight of 2.2+1.8=4 pounds. Let's mark the pay band Andres would fall into when sending this single package.
Weight not above (lb) Cost ($)
1 6.73
2 9.64
3 12.78
4 13.38
5 14.33
6 16.08

Examining the table, we see that Andres would then have to pay $13.38. He could also send a package that is 2.2 pounds and another that is 1.8 pounds. Let's mark the pay bands the packages fall into for these weights.

Weight not above (lb) Cost ($)
1 6.73
2 9.64
3 12.78
4 13.38
5 14.33
6 16.08

In this case he would pay $9.64+$12.78=$22.42. Therefore, Andres should send one package only because that is cheaper.