Questions: The table below shows that, in one day, Claire can complete either 6 chemistry or 5 biology lab reports, while Sam can complete either 7 chemistry or 2 biology lab reports. What is Sam's opportunity cost of completing 1 biology lab report? A. 2 chemistry lab reports B. 2/7 of a chemistry lab report C. 1 1/2 of a chemistry lab reports D. 4 chemistry lab reports E. 3 1/2 of a chemistry lab report

The answer is E: \(3 \frac{1}{2}\) of a chemistry lab report.

To determine Sam's opportunity cost of completing 1 biology lab report, we need to calculate how many chemistry lab reports he could have completed instead of 1 biology lab report.

According to the table, Sam can complete 7 chemistry lab reports or 2 biology lab reports in one day. Therefore, the opportunity cost of completing 1 biology lab report is the number of chemistry lab reports he forgoes by choosing to complete a biology lab report instead.

Opportunity cost in terms of chemistry lab reports for 1 biology lab report is calculated as follows:

\[ \text{Opportunity Cost} = \frac{\text{Chemistry Lab Reports}}{\text{Biology Lab Reports}} = \frac{7}{2} = 3.5 \]

Thus, the opportunity cost of completing 1 biology lab report for Sam is \(3 \frac{1}{2}\) chemistry lab reports.

Explanation for each option: A. 2 chemistry lab reports - Incorrect, as this does not match the calculated opportunity cost. B. \(\frac{2}{7}\) of a chemistry lab report - Incorrect, as this is the inverse of the correct ratio. C. \(1 \frac{1}{2}\) of a chemistry lab reports - Incorrect, as this is less than the calculated opportunity cost. D. 4 chemistry lab reports - Incorrect, as this is more than the calculated opportunity cost. E. \(3 \frac{1}{2}\) of a chemistry lab report - Correct, as this matches the calculated opportunity cost.