Answer and Explanation:
First, we can construct a pseudo-equation to model the situation:
# pieces of fruit = (# plates) × (# pieces of fruit per plate)
Next, we can identify which of these can be substituted with variables:
- # plates = n
- # pieces of fruit per plate = (# apples) + (# pears) = k + m
Substituting these into the pseudo-equation, we get:
# pieces of fruit = n × (k + m)
