1. **Problem:** How many pounds of chocolate are needed to make 48 signature chocolate muffins if each muffin requires 2.5 ounces of chocolate? (1 pound = 16 ounces) 2. **Formula:** Total chocolate in ounces = number of muffins \times ounces per muffin 3. Calculate total ounces: $$48 \times 2.5 = 120$$ ounces 4. Convert ounces to pounds using the conversion factor: $$1 \text{ pound} = 16 \text{ ounces}$$ 5. Pounds of chocolate needed: $$\frac{120}{16}$$ 6. Simplify the fraction by canceling common factors: $$\frac{\cancel{120}}{\cancel{16}} = \frac{15}{2} = 7.5$$ pounds 7. **Answer:** 7.5 pounds of chocolate are needed. The correct choice is A.