Mrs. Li bought 3.4 pounds of tomatoes that cost $2.85 a pound. What was her total cost?

Mrs. Li bought a total of 3.4 pounds of tomatoes, and each pound costs \$2.85. To find the total cost, we need to multiply the quantity (in pounds) by the price per pound (in dollars). The formula is:
\[\text{Total Cost} = \text{Quantity} \times \text{Price per Pound}\]
In this case, the quantity is 3.4 lbs and the price per pound is \$2.85.

Calculating the Total Cost

We calculate the total cost by multiplying 3.4 by 2.85:
\[\text{Total Cost} = 3.4 \times 2.85\]
Performing this multiplication gives:
\[3.4 \times 2.85 = 9.69\]
Thus, the total cost for the tomatoes is \$9.69.

Examples

Calculating the total cost of items is a fundamental skill used every day in grocery stores, markets, and shops. Whether you are buying fresh produce like tomatoes, weighing bulk items, or checking the price of goods, understanding how to multiply a unit price by the quantity purchased helps you keep track of your budget and ensure you receive the correct change. Mastering this basic arithmetic allows you to make informed decisions about your spending and effectively manage your finances.