The Relationship Between Cost and Number of Shirts

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 145 views

Introduction

In the world of retail, offering discounts for bulk purchases is a common practice used by stores to incentivize customers to buy more products. This strategy can be seen in various forms, such as buying in bulk, purchasing multiple items at once, or even subscribing to a service that provides regular deliveries of products. In this article, we will explore a specific scenario where a store offers a discount if a customer purchases shirts in bulk. We will examine the relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased, using a table to illustrate this relationship.

The Relationship Between Cost and Number of Shirts

Number of Shirts ( ${$ s$}$)	Cost per Shirt ( ${$ c$}$)
1	20
2	18
3	16
4	14
5	12
6	10
7	9
8	8
9	7
10	6

As we can see from the table, the cost per shirt decreases as the number of shirts purchased increases. This is a classic example of a discount being offered by the store. The store is essentially providing a price reduction for customers who purchase more shirts at once.

Understanding the Relationship

To better understand the relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased, let's examine the data in the table. We can see that for every additional shirt purchased, the cost per shirt decreases by a fixed amount. This is known as a linear relationship.

Mathematically, we can represent this relationship using the equation:

c = 20 - 2s

Where c is the cost per shirt and s is the number of shirts purchased.

Interpreting the Equation

Let's break down the equation and understand what it means.

The constant term 20 represents the cost per shirt when no shirts are purchased (i.e., s = 0).
The coefficient -2 represents the rate at which the cost per shirt decreases for every additional shirt purchased.
The variable s represents the number of shirts purchased.

Calculating the Cost per Shirt

Using the equation, we can calculate the cost per shirt for any given number of shirts purchased. For example, if a customer purchases 5 shirts, the cost per shirt would be:

c = 20 - 2(5) c = 20 - 10 c = 10

Therefore, the cost per shirt for 5 shirts purchased would be $10.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the store's offer of a discount for bulk shirt purchases is a classic example of a linear relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased. By examining the data in the table and using the equation c = 20 - 2s, we can understand the relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased. This knowledge can be used to make informed purchasing decisions and take advantage of the store's discount offer.

Real-World Applications

The concept of a linear relationship between the cost per unit and the number of units purchased has many real-world applications. For example:

Supply and Demand: The relationship between the price of a product and the quantity demanded is often linear.
Economics: The concept of diminishing marginal utility is a classic example of a linear relationship between the cost per unit and the number of units consumed.
Marketing: Understanding the relationship between the cost per unit and the number of units purchased can help businesses develop effective pricing strategies and promotions.

Final Thoughts

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased, using a table to illustrate this relationship. We also examined the equation c = 20 - 2s, which represents the linear relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this topic.

Q: What is the cost per shirt when no shirts are purchased?

A: According to the equation c = 20 - 2s, when no shirts are purchased (i.e., s = 0), the cost per shirt is $20.

Q: How much does the cost per shirt decrease for every additional shirt purchased?

A: According to the equation c = 20 - 2s, the cost per shirt decreases by $2 for every additional shirt purchased.

Q: What is the cost per shirt when 5 shirts are purchased?

A: Using the equation c = 20 - 2s, we can calculate the cost per shirt for 5 shirts purchased as follows:

c = 20 - 2(5) c = 20 - 10 c = 10

Therefore, the cost per shirt for 5 shirts purchased is $10.

Q: Is the relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased always linear?

A: No, the relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased is not always linear. However, in this specific scenario, the relationship is linear, and we can represent it using the equation c = 20 - 2s.

Q: Can I use the equation c = 20 - 2s to calculate the cost per shirt for any number of shirts purchased?

A: Yes, you can use the equation c = 20 - 2s to calculate the cost per shirt for any number of shirts purchased. Simply substitute the value of s into the equation, and you will get the cost per shirt.

Q: What is the significance of the constant term 20 in the equation c = 20 - 2s?

A: The constant term 20 in the equation c = 20 - 2s represents the cost per shirt when no shirts are purchased (i.e., s = 0).

Q: What is the significance of the coefficient -2 in the equation c = 20 - 2s?

A: The coefficient -2 in the equation c = 20 - 2s represents the rate at which the cost per shirt decreases for every additional shirt purchased.

Q: Can I use the equation c = 20 - 2s to calculate the total cost of purchasing a certain number of shirts?

A: Yes, you can use the equation c = 20 - 2s to calculate the total cost of purchasing a certain number of shirts. Simply multiply the cost per shirt by the number of shirts purchased to get the total cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the store's offer of a discount for bulk shirt purchases is a great example of a linear relationship between the cost per shirt and the number of shirts purchased. By understanding this relationship, we can make informed purchasing decisions and take advantage of the store's discount offer. The equation c = 20 - 2s can be used to calculate the cost per shirt for any number of shirts purchased, and it can also be used to calculate the total cost of purchasing a certain number of shirts.

Real-World Applications

The concept of a linear relationship between the cost per unit and the number of units purchased has many real-world applications. For example:

Supply and Demand: The relationship between the price of a product and the quantity demanded is often linear.
Economics: The concept of diminishing marginal utility is a classic example of a linear relationship between the cost per unit and the number of units consumed.
Marketing: Understanding the relationship between the cost per unit and the number of units purchased can help businesses develop effective pricing strategies and promotions.