To compare the costs of the two businesses based on the number of t-shirts ordered, we can create a cost equation for each.
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Business A charges $22 per t-shirt.
- Cost for \( n \) t-shirts: \[ \text{Cost}_A = 22n \]
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Business B charges $16 per t-shirt plus a $15 setup fee.
- Cost for \( n \) t-shirts: \[ \text{Cost}_B = 16n + 15 \]
To find when the costs are equal:
Set the two costs equal to each other: \[ 22n = 16n + 15 \]
Solve for \( n \):
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Subtract \( 16n \) from both sides: \[ 22n - 16n = 15 \] \[ 6n = 15 \]
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Divide by 6: \[ n = \frac{15}{6} = 2.5 \]
Since you can't order half a t-shirt, we evaluate the costs for whole numbers.
Cost Comparison:
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For \( n = 2 \):
- Cost for Business A: \[ 22 \times 2 = 44 \]
- Cost for Business B: \[ 16 \times 2 + 15 = 32 + 15 = 47 \]
Business A is cheaper.
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For \( n = 3 \):
- Cost for Business A: \[ 22 \times 3 = 66 \]
- Cost for Business B: \[ 16 \times 3 + 15 = 48 + 15 = 63 \]
Business B is cheaper.
Summary:
- For 2 t-shirts, Business A ($44) is cheaper than Business B ($47).
- For 3 t-shirts, Business B ($63) is cheaper than Business A ($66).
Thus, if you order 2 t-shirts or fewer, Business A is more cost-effective. If you order 3 t-shirts or more, Business B becomes the better option.