Re: [MATHEDCC] the "potato salad problem" -- reality check

Laura Petersen (petersen@LCSC.EDU)
Wed, 9 Apr 1997 09:09:34 -0700 (PDT)

Perhaps the potato salad problem is not realistic but the problem of
dehydration certainly is. Pricing of produce per pound is done to provide a
profit margin that will account for spoilage and for loss of water
weight. This is a particularly significant problem for oranges which are
normally not kept in the "shower" section of the produce department. What
I have heard is that most produce managers have a chart that they use to
calculate the retail price depending on a number of factors for their
individual store but I haven't had a chance yet to verify that or find
the chart and figure out the math underneath it.

--Laura

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Laura Bracken Petersen petersen@lcsc.edu

Division of Natural Sciences PHONE 208-799-2484
Lewis-Clark State College FAX 208-799-2064
500 8th Avenue
Lewiston ID 83501-2698 USA
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