Solve this real-world problem using a system of equations. The O’Donnells are having a birthday party for their son, and they plan to have a clown bring balloons to the party. Balloon Express charges $2 per balloon and $10 for delivery. Balloon Mania charges $1.50 per balloon and $20 for delivery. If the O’Donnells plan to order 30 balloons, which company should they choose, and how much will they save?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Balloon Mania; $5
Balloon Mania; $5

Balloon Express; $5
Balloon Express; $5

Balloon Mania; $25 
Balloon Mania; $25 

Balloon Express; $25

Answer 1

To determine which company the O’Donnells should choose, let's set up the cost equations for both Balloon Express and Balloon Mania:

1. Balloon Express:

   • Cost per balloon: $2
   • Delivery fee: $10
   • Total cost $E$ for 30 balloons can be calculated as: $$E=2\times 30+10$$ $$E=60+10=70$$

2. Balloon Mania:

   • Cost per balloon: $1.50
   • Delivery fee: $20
   • Total cost $M$ for 30 balloons can be calculated as: $$M=1.5\times 30+20$$ $$M=45+20=65$$

Now we can compare the total costs:

• Cost with Balloon Express: $70
• Cost with Balloon Mania: $65

To find the savings by choosing Balloon Mania over Balloon Express: $$\text{Savings}=E-M=70-65=5$$

Thus, the O’Donnells should choose Balloon Mania, and they will save $5.

The correct response is: Balloon Mania; $5