A store sells 2 1/4 pounds of tomatoes in a package for $4.45. The expression 4.45p represents the cost of the tomatoes for a number of packages. What does the variable p represent?

The variable ( p ) represents the number of packages of tomatoes purchased.

Explanation: The expression ( 4.45p ) shows that for every package of tomatoes, which costs $4.45, multiplying that cost by ( p ) gives the total cost for ( p ) packages purchased. Therefore, ( p ) signifies how many packages are being bought.