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)

To determine which company the O'Donnells should choose for the balloons and how much they will save, we can set up the costs for each company as a system of equations.

Let:

• \( x \) = number of balloons ordered
• \( C_E \) = cost from Balloon Express
• \( C_M \) = cost from Balloon Mania

For Balloon Express:

• Cost per balloon = $2
• Delivery charge = $10
• Therefore, the total cost for 30 balloons is given by: \[ C_E = 2x + 10 \] Substituting \( x = 30 \): \[ C_E = 2(30) + 10 = 60 + 10 = 70 \]

For Balloon Mania:

• Cost per balloon = $1.50
• Delivery charge = $20
• Therefore, the total cost for 30 balloons is given by: \[ C_M = 1.50x + 20 \] Substituting \( x = 30 \): \[ C_M = 1.50(30) + 20 = 45 + 20 = 65 \]

Comparison: Now we can compare the total costs:

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

Finding the Savings: To find out how much the O'Donnells will save by choosing Balloon Mania over Balloon Express: \[ \text{Savings} = C_E - C_M = 70 - 65 = 5 \]

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

The correct answer is: • Balloon Mania; $5