Unit prices

Key Notes :

The unit price is the price per item or per unit of measure.

  1. Definition of Unit Price: The unit price is the cost of a single item or unit of a product. For example, if a box of 12 chocolates costs $6, the unit price is $6 divided by 12, which is $0.50 per chocolate.
  2. Comparing Prices: Unit prices help in comparing different products or quantities to find the best value. For instance, if one box of cereal costs $4 and contains 16 ounces while another costs $5 and contains 20 ounces, calculating the unit price will help identify the better deal.
  3. Calculation: To calculate unit price, divide the total cost by the total number of units. It helps in determining the cost efficiency of products and allows consumers to make informed decisions.
  4. Real-Life Examples: Use real-life examples to illustrate the concept. For instance, comparing the price per apple or per pencil in a pack, or looking at grocery items to determine which package offers the best value.
  5. Use of Math Skills: Unit prices involve division and understanding fractions. This concept helps in strengthening basic math skills, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.
  6. Importance in Budgeting: Understanding unit prices is vital in managing budgets and making wise purchasing decisions. It helps in getting the most value for money when shopping.

Learn with an example

1) An 8-kilogram bag of oranges costs ₹1,262.00.

What is the unit price?

₹______ per kilogram

Find the unit price. Divide the total cost by the number of kilograms.

₹1,262.00 ÷ 8 = ₹157.75

The unit price is ₹157.75 per kilogram.

2) Which is the better buy?

  • 3-kilogram bag of rice for ₹297.00
  • 5-kilogram bag of rice for ₹494.00

Find each unit price. Divide the total cost by the number of kilograms.

₹297.00 ÷ 3 = ₹99.00
₹494.00 ÷ 5 = ₹98.80

The unit price for the 5-kilogram bag is lower than for the 3-kilogram bag. The 5-kilogram bag is the better buy.

3) Which is the better buy?

  • 2-kilogram bag of red onions for ₹136.50
  • 5-kilogram bag of red onions for ₹341.00

Find each unit price. Divide the total cost by the number of kilograms.

₹136.50 ÷ 2 = ₹68.25
₹341.00 ÷ 5 = ₹68.20

The unit price for the 5-kilogram bag is lower than for the 2-kilogram bag. The 5-kilogram bag is the better buy.

Let’s practice!🖊️