Question

Find the cost per ounce of orange juice if a gallon of juice sells for \(\$ 3.52\) A. \(\$ 0.0275\) B. \(\$ 0.0625\) C. \(\$ 0.1450\) D. \(\$ 0.0860\)

Short answer

The cost per ounce is option A: $0.0275.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Conversion

First, we need to understand that a gallon consists of 128 fluid ounces. This conversion is crucial because the problem asks for the cost per ounce.

Set Up the Calculation

Since a gallon of orange juice sells for \(3.52\), we need to find out how much 1 ounce costs. This is done by dividing the total cost by the number of ounces in a gallon.

Perform the Division

Calculate the cost per ounce using division: \( \frac{3.52}{128} \).

Calculate the Result

By performing the division \( \frac{3.52}{128} \), we get \(0.0275\).

Verify with the Options

Compare the calculated cost per ounce to the given options. Our result, \(0.0275\), matches option A.

Key concepts

Cost Calculation

Cost calculation is a fundamental skill that helps us determine the price of goods and services per unit. In the exercise above, we are tasked with finding out the cost per fluid ounce of orange juice when bought by the gallon. To complete this, we need to take the overall cost of a gallon of juice and distribute it evenly across all its parts: the fluid ounces.

This process involves understanding how much the entire gallon costs — in this case, \(3.52\). Then, by breaking down this total cost by each fluid ounce, we can find the cost per ounce. This helps us understand the value of each part of the gallon, providing insight into whether we're getting a good deal.

Keep in mind that this method is widely used in various scenarios, like determining the price per liter for gasoline or per pound for fruits. Knowing how to calculate costs per unit can help with budgeting and choosing the best products based on price.

Division

Division is a mathematical operation that allows us to split a number into equal parts. In our problem, it's the tool we use to find out the cost of one fluid ounce of orange juice.

Imagine the price of the gallon as being shared among each of the 128 ounces. To find out how much one ounce costs, you divide the total price of \(3.52\) by 128. The division in this case is straightforward: \( \frac{3.52}{128} \).

Through division, you distribute the total cost evenly, resulting in the cost for each individual unit. This principle is essential whenever you're looking to break down total costs or quantities into smaller units. By understanding division, you can apply it to a wide range of problems beyond just cost calculations.

Fluid Ounces

Fluid ounces are a unit of volume widely used in the United States to measure liquids. In this problem, we are dealing with a gallon of orange juice, which we know has 128 fluid ounces.

This unit of measurement is important to know because it helps us convert larger quantities into smaller, more practical amounts. By using fluid ounces, consumers and businesses can accurately manage and sell liquids.

Understanding fluid ounces ensures that we can interpret recipes, measure drinks, and solve problems such as calculating cost per unit as seen in the exercise. Whether you're baking or shopping, the fluid ounce is a useful tool to be familiar with. Knowing that 1 gallon equals 128 fluid ounces is essential for these types of calculations.