The problem states that a pound of ground beef costs $5. Based on this rate, we need to find the cost of:

a) 3 pounds of beef:

• If 1 pound costs $5, then the cost for 3 pounds is: $3 \times 5 = 15$ Therefore, 3 pounds of ground beef costs $15.

b) $\frac{1}{2}$ pound of beef:

• If 1 pound costs $5, then $\frac{1}{2}$ pound would cost half of $5: $\frac{1}{2} \times 5 = 2.5$ So, $\frac{1}{2}$ pound of ground beef costs $2.50.

Would you like more detailed steps, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

1. What is the cost of 5 pounds of ground beef at the same rate?
2. If you buy 10 pounds of beef, how much will you pay?
3. How much would $\frac{1}{4}$ pound of beef cost?
4. If you only have $20, how many pounds of beef can you purchase?
5. What would the cost of 7 pounds and 3 ounces of ground beef be?

Tip: To find the price for a fractional amount of something, multiply the fraction by the unit price.