What is the cost of purchasing 40% of the total 1,000 feet of pipe needed if each foot costs $1.25?

To determine the cost of purchasing 40% of the total amount of pipe needed, begin by calculating how much 40% of 1,000 feet is.

40% of 1,000 feet can be found by multiplying 1,000 by 0.40, which results in 400 feet.

Next, since each foot of pipe costs $1.25, you need to calculate the total cost for the 400 feet. This is done by multiplying the number of feet (400) by the cost per foot ($1.25).

So, the calculation looks like this:

400 feet × $1.25/foot = $500.

This means the cost of purchasing 40% of the total amount of pipe needed is indeed $500, which corresponds to the correct answer.