Answer:
Option A) Combined, with a saving of x-y cents
Step-by-step explanation:
We are given the following in the question:
The rate to mail a package is x cents for first pound and y cents for each additional pound.
[tex]x>y[/tex]
Weights of packages =
3 pounds and 5 pounds
Cost of combined package:
Total weight = 8 pounds
[tex]C\text{(combined)} = x + 7y[/tex]
Cost of sending separately:
[tex]C\text{(separated)} = (x + 2y) + (x + 4y) = 2x + 6y[/tex]
Difference between cost of sending the packages separately and combined
[tex]C\text{(separated)}-C\text{(combined)} \\=2x + 6y-(x+7y)\\=(x-y)\text{ cents}[/tex]
Thus, sending the packages combined is a cheaper method with a saving of (x-y) cents
Thus, the correct answer is:
Option A) Combined, with a saving of (x-y) cents