If a^ x = b then:
x = log_{a}b
For:
4^{7} = 16384 \\ log _{4}16384 = 7
Solution: Estimated time for the work is 40 hour work week.
Estimated payment to 3 laborers working 40 hours at cost $14 per hour is:
$1680
Estimated payment to 6 masons working 40 hours at cost $24 per hour is:
$5760
Estimated cost of material = $3143
Contractor wishes to make a profit of $500
Therefore, the mathematical expression that will give the estimated cost of the job is:

The estimated total cost is:
Cost =$11083
$1.10 per pound for the 1-pound bag.
$0.96 per pound for the 2-pound bag.
$0.92 per pound for the 3-pound bag.
As the quantity of sugar increases, the unit cost decreases.