lets use divide and conquer method. basically option elimintation method in which we eliminate the wrong options. so in option b and d they mentioned 7 cups, now as given each cup takes 3 pounds clay so 7 cups will need 7×3 = 21 pounds of claybut unfortunately we have only 20 pounds of clay. so Option B and D got eliminated. now calculate profit for option A and C.let assume c is number of cup and p is number of platesequation can be total clay = 3c + 2p and total clay must be less than and equal to 203c + 2p <= 20total profit = 2c + 3pnow for option A 3×2 + 2×7 = 20 equation satisfiedprofit = 2×2 + 3×7= 25for option C3×0 + 8×2 = 16 <= 20 eauation satisfies. profit = 2×0 + 8×3 = 24 so profit is in option A