The specifications call for galvanized steel. If steel tubes cost $1.35 per pound and galvanizing costs $1,000 per ton, what is the total cost to purchase and galvanize five 40-foot tubes that weigh 59.32 pounds per foot?

• A. $16,016.40
• B. $21,948
• C. $21,000
• D. $22,000

Answer: (B)

This item tests how to combine material cost with processing cost using proper unit conversions. First, find the total weight of all tubes: each tube weighs 40 × 59.32 = 2,372.8 pounds, and five tubes weigh 2,372.8 × 5 = 11,864 pounds.

Cost to purchase the tubes: 11,864 lb × $1.35 per lb = $16,016.40.

Galvanizing cost uses tons, so convert pounds to tons: 11,864 lb ÷ 2,000 lb/ton = 5.932 tons. Galvanizing at $1,000 per ton costs 5.932 × $1,000 = $5,932.00.

Total cost = $16,016.40 + $5,932.00 = $21,948.40, which rounds to $21,948.

So the total cost to purchase and galvanize five 40-foot tubes is $21,948.