The chart below shows the economic costs of two school lunches.

\begin{tabular}{|l|r|r|}
\hline
\multicolumn{2}{|c|}{Economic Cost per Lunch} \\
\hline
& \begin{tabular}{c}
Current \\
Lunch
\end{tabular}
& \begin{tabular}{c}
Healthier \\
Lunch
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
Main Course & \[tex]$1.15 & \$[/tex]1.85 \\
\hline
Side Dish & \[tex]$0.30 & \$[/tex]0.90 \\
\hline
Dessert & \[tex]$0.30 & \$[/tex]0.10 \\
\hline
Beverage & \[tex]$0.30 & \$[/tex]0.05 \\
\hline
Total & \[tex]$2.05 & \$[/tex]2.80 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

The smallest price difference between the two lunches is found in the

A. Beverage

B. Main Course

C. Dessert

D. Side Dish



Answer :

To determine the smallest price difference between the current lunch and the healthier lunch, let's compare the costs of each component (main course, side dish, dessert, and beverage) from both lunches.

### Given Prices:
- Current Lunch:
- Main Course: \$1.15
- Side Dish: \$0.30
- Dessert: \$0.30
- Beverage: \$0.30

- Healthier Lunch:
- Main Course: \$1.85
- Side Dish: \$0.90
- Dessert: \$0.10
- Beverage: \$0.05

### Finding the Price Differences:

1. Main Course:
[tex]\[ \text{Difference} = \left| 1.85 - 1.15 \right| = \$0.70 \][/tex]

2. Side Dish:
[tex]\[ \text{Difference} = \left| 0.90 - 0.30 \right| = \$0.60 \][/tex]

3. Dessert:
[tex]\[ \text{Difference} = \left| 0.10 - 0.30 \right| = \$0.20 \][/tex]

4. Beverage:
[tex]\[ \text{Difference} = \left| 0.05 - 0.30 \right| = \$0.25 \][/tex]

### Summary of Differences:
- Main Course: \$0.70
- Side Dish: \$0.60
- Dessert: \$0.20
- Beverage: \$0.25

From the calculations above, the smallest price difference between the two lunches is found in the dessert, which has a price difference of \$0.20.

Thus, the correct answer is:

Dessert