The problem describes a matrix $B$ representing the number of frozen ready meals (F), packets of pasta (P), and chocolate bars (C) purchased by several people: Steven (S), Trevor (T), Ursula (U), Veronica (V), and William (W). The element $b_{ij}$ of matrix $B$ represents the number of items purchased by a person, where $i$ represents the person and $j$ represents the item. We are asked to determine what $b_{23}$ represents, what $b_{43}$ represents, and how many chocolate bars Steven bought.

1. Problem Description

The problem describes a matrix $B$ representing the number of frozen ready meals (F), packets of pasta (P), and chocolate bars (C) purchased by several people: Steven (S), Trevor (T), Ursula (U), Veronica (V), and William (W). The element $b_{ij}$ of matrix $B$ represents the number of items purchased by a person, where $i$ represents the person and $j$ represents the item. We are asked to determine what $b_{23}$ represents, what $b_{43}$ represents, and how many chocolate bars Steven bought.

2. Solution Steps

a) The element $b_{23}$ refers to the element in the 2nd row and 3rd column of matrix $B$.

The rows represent the people in the order S, T, U, V, W. So the 2nd row represents Trevor.

The columns represent the items in the order F, P, C. So the 3rd column represents chocolate bars.

Therefore, $b_{23}$ represents the number of chocolate bars purchased by Trevor. This is option A.

b) The element $b_{43}$ refers to the element in the 4th row and 3rd column of matrix $B$.

The rows represent the people in the order S, T, U, V, W. So the 4th row represents Veronica.

The columns represent the items in the order F, P, C. So the 3rd column represents chocolate bars.

Therefore, $b_{43}$ represents the number of chocolate bars purchased by Veronica. From the matrix, $b_{43} = 2$.

c) Steven is represented by the first row (row 1). Chocolate bars are represented by the third column (column 3).

Therefore, the number of chocolate bars Steven bought is represented by the element $b_{13}$.

From the matrix, $b_{13} = 4$.

3. Final Answer

a) A. Chocolate bars purchased by Trevor.

b) The number of chocolate bars purchased by Veronica.

c) Steven bought 4 chocolate bars.