To reduce pounds of wheat to bushels divide by 60. 2900 ÷ 60 = 481⁄3 bushels; 481⁄3 × .57 = $27.55, Ans.
In computing the value of grain, the operation can often be abbreviated by cancellation.
Rule.—Write the weight and price per bushel, on the right of a vertical line, and the number of pounds to the bushel on the left. Then cancel common factors, as explained above.
Find the cost of 3230 bushels of wheat, at 72c per bushel.
| 60 | 3230 | ||
| 72 | 12 | ||
| 323 × 12 | = | 38.76 | |
Here we cancel the 0’s on both sides; then, 6 and 72, which leaves 323 and 12. Their product being the answer.
At 28c per bushel, what will 4080 pounds of oats cost?
| 32 | 4080 | 510 |
| 4 | 28 | 7 |
| Ans. | $35.70 | |
Oats, 32 pounds to the bushel. See [table], [page 861]. Cancel 32 and 4080, then, 4 and 28, leaving the factors 510 and 7.
Other short cuts for computing cost of merchandise, produce, etc.