Tricky Math Problem Help?

Question

A companay assesses shipping charges of $3 for the first item in a package, $2 for the second item and $1 for each additional item. How much is saved by shipping ten items in two packages of five items each, rather than in 5 packages if 2 items each?

Answer 1

5 packages of 2 items each:

each package=$3 for first item + $2 for the next item = $5/package times 5 packages = $25.

2 packages of 5 items each:

Each package = $3 for first item + $2 for second item + $1 for third item + $1 for fourth item + $1 for fifth item = 5 + 3 = $8/package times 2 packages = $16

$25 for five packages - $16 for two packages = $9 saved by shipping two packages rather than five.

--Reggie

Answer 2

if you send 10 items in 2 packages then

cost1=2x(3+2+1+1+1)

      =2x 8

      =$16

if 5 packages of 2 items each then,

cost2=5x(3+2)

      =5x5

      =$25

savings=cost2-cost1

           =25-16

           =$9  Ans