Linear Price Functions: Finding the Best Deal for 7kg of Tomatoes

Graph Reading with Coordinate Comparison

The graph below depicts the price of tomatoes as a function of quantity, with each line representing the prices at different shops.

Where is it cheaper to buy 7 kg of tomatoes?

–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888999101010111111121212131313141414151515161616171717181818191919–1–1–1111222333444555666777888999101010111111kg de tomatesPrecio

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Where is it better to buy 7 kg of tomatoes?
00:03 The X-axis represents the weight of tomatoes, let's find 7
00:06 We'll draw a perpendicular line from this point to the Y-axis
00:10 The Y-axis represents the price per kg of tomatoes
00:13 In the red store, 7 kg costs 8 NIS
00:16 We'll use the same method to find the price in the blue store
00:20 In the blue store, 7 kg costs 10 NIS
00:23 Therefore, it's better to buy from the red store, it's cheaper
00:26 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

The graph below depicts the price of tomatoes as a function of quantity, with each line representing the prices at different shops.

Where is it cheaper to buy 7 kg of tomatoes?

–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888999101010111111121212131313141414151515161616171717181818191919–1–1–1111222333444555666777888999101010111111kg de tomatesPrecio

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's look at the red line:

The X-axis shows us the quantity, we'll locate 7 kg and from it draw a vertical line to the line - mark a point.

From this point we'll draw a horizontal line to the Y-axis which shows the price and we'll see that 7 kg costs 8 NIS.

Let's look at the blue line:

The X-axis shows us the quantity, we'll locate 7 kg and from it draw a vertical line to the line - mark a point.

From this point we'll draw a horizontal line to the Y-axis which shows the price and we'll see that 7 kg costs 10 NIS.

Therefore it's better to buy at the red store, it's cheaper.

3

Final Answer

In the red shop

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Graph Reading: Find x-value 7, draw vertical line to each function
  • Technique: From intersection point, draw horizontal line to y-axis: red = 8, blue = 10
  • Check: Compare y-values at x = 7: lower price wins ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Reading the wrong axis or mixing up coordinates
    Don't read the price from the x-axis or quantity from the y-axis = completely wrong values! This happens when students rush and don't check which axis represents what. Always identify x-axis (quantity) and y-axis (price) first, then follow vertical-to-horizontal reading pattern.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Look at the linear function represented in the diagram.

When is the function positive?

–8–8–8–7–7–7–6–6–6–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333444555666777888–5–5–5–4–4–4–3–3–3–2–2–2–1–1–1111222333000

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which line represents which shop?

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Look at the color coding in the graph! The problem mentions 'red shop' and 'blue shop', so match the line colors to identify each store's pricing.

What if the lines cross at exactly 7 kg?

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If the lines intersect exactly at x = 7, both shops would charge the same price for 7 kg. In that case, either shop would be equally good!

Why do I need to draw lines instead of just estimating?

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Drawing vertical and horizontal guide lines ensures accuracy! Estimating by eye often leads to reading errors, especially when the graph points fall between grid lines.

What does the slope of each line tell me?

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The slope represents the price per kg. A steeper line means higher cost per additional kilogram. The red line has a gentler slope, so it's cheaper per kg.

Can I use this method for any quantity, not just 7 kg?

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Absolutely! This vertical-then-horizontal reading method works for any x-value on the graph. Just find your quantity on the x-axis and follow the same steps.

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