EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What are Best Buys

Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths: Best Buys

This tutorial will guide you through understanding and solving problems involving best buys in Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths.

What are Best Buys?

A "best buy" refers to the product or deal that offers the most value for your money. This usually means the item with the lowest price per unit, but it's essential to consider factors like quantity and quality.

Key Concepts

• Unit Price: This is the price of one unit of the product, e.g., the price per gram, per litre, or per item.
• Comparison: You need to compare the unit prices of different options to find the best deal.
• Calculations: You'll often need to divide the total price by the quantity to calculate the unit price.

Steps to Find the Best Buy

1. Identify the Units: Determine the units of measurement used for the products, e.g., grams, litres, or individual items.
2. Calculate Unit Prices: Divide the total price of each product by the quantity to find the price per unit.
3. Compare Unit Prices: The product with the lowest unit price is usually the best buy.

Example

Let's say you want to buy cereal. You have two options:

• Option A: 500g box for £3.50
• Option B: 750g box for £5.00

Finding the Best Buy:

1. Calculate Unit Price for Option A: £3.50 / 500g = £0.007 per gram
2. Calculate Unit Price for Option B: £5.00 / 750g = £0.0067 per gram
3. Compare Unit Prices: Option B has a lower unit price (£0.0067) than Option A (£0.007).

Conclusion: Option B is the best buy because you get more cereal for a slightly higher price.

Important Considerations:

• Quality: While the cheapest option might be tempting, consider the quality of the product. Sometimes, a slightly higher price can be worth it if it means a better product.
• Quantity: Factor in how much you need. If you only need a small amount, a larger pack might not be the best deal, even if it has a lower unit price.

Practice Questions

1. You need to buy washing-up liquid. You have two options:

   • Option A: 500ml bottle for £2.50
   • Option B: 1 litre bottle for £4.00

   Which option is the best buy?

2. You're buying chocolate. You have two options:

   • Option A: 100g bar for £1.20
   • Option B: 200g bar for £2.40

   Which option is the best buy?

Tips

• Always double-check the units of measurement.
• Use a calculator to help you calculate unit prices.
• Don't just focus on the lowest total price; consider the value for money.

By following these steps and considering the factors mentioned above, you can easily determine the best buy for your needs and make smart shopping decisions.