To fill in the missing place in the equation to compute the cost of each mechanical pencil, we need to set up the equation correctly based on the information provided.
Let's define:
- \( x \) as the cost of each mechanical pencil.
Since Mr. Speats is buying bundles of 10, if he buys 10 mechanical pencils, the cost would be \( 10x \).
Mr. Speats also buys erasers that cost $0.50 each, and if he buys 10 erasers, the total cost for the erasers would be \( 10 \times 0.50 = 5 \).
Now, the total cost of the mechanical pencils and the erasers must equal $25. Thus, the equation can be set up as follows:
\[ 10x + 5 = 25 \]
Now, if we isolate \( x \) in the equation you've provided, we can rearrange it accordingly.
- Substitute \( 10x \) for \( x \):
\[ (10x + 0.50) = 25 \]
Now, you can see that the complete equation you provided should be:
\[ (10x + 5) = 25 \]
Therefore, the equation to compute the cost of each mechanical pencil should be adjusted to:
\[ (10x + 5) = 25 \]
In this context, the answer to your original equation would be that the missing place should represent the total cost of the erasers, which is $5 (since 10 erasers cost 0.50 each). Thus, when you solve for \( x \):
- Subtract 5 from both sides:
\[ 10x = 25 - 5 \] \[ 10x = 20 \]
- Then divide by 10:
\[ x = 2 \]
So, each mechanical pencil costs $2.
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