Which is the better way of framing the solution to this simple math problem?

I like Method 1
Where does it say in the problem that profit is $1

I used Method 1 as I was reading the problem.

What if we have 2 widgets bought for $1, 3 for $2 and 5 for $3, all sold for $5 each? Doesn’t it become easier to add up the profit on each group? Profit = 2 x $4 + 3 x $3 + 5 x $2 = $27.

I’d go with Method 1. It’s more straightforward and fewer math evolutions.

In your later example in my head I thought 2 x $1 + 3 x $2 + 5 x $3 = $2 + $6 + $15 = $23 spent
and 2 + 3 + 5 = 10, x $5 = $50 received. = 50 – 23 = 27 profit.

@josie the cost to buy them is $2 each. They sell them for $3 each. That’s your $1 profit.

I like method 1 too.