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Final answer:Option B, which includes 2 packs of orange and 1 pack of cream soda, is the most cost-effective as it provides the required amount of drinks at the lowest cost of $23 for 60 drinks.Explanation:To determine the most cost-effective combination of soft drinks for a picnic where at least 50 soft drinks are needed, we need to calculate the total cost and the total number of drinks in each combination given:A: 2 packs of root beer and 1 pack of cream soda would cost $12*2 + $5 = $29 and provide 48+12 = 60 drinks.B: 2 packs of orange and 1 pack of cream soda would cost $18 (since 2 packs for $18 is the offer) + $5 = $23 and provide 48+12 = 60 drinks.C: 5 packs of cream soda would cost $5*5 = $25 and provide 12*5 = 60 drinks.D: 3 packs of orange would cost $18 (for the first two packs) + $10 (for the third pack) = $28 and provide 3*24 = 72 drinks.Comparing the total costs and the number of drinks they provide, option B is the most cost-effective option as it offers the required amount of drinks at the lowest cost....