Question

Kayla is purchasing 5 candles. She also purchases 5 candle holders for $3.50 each. Kayla paid a total of $27.50. She writes the equation 5(x+3.50)=27.50 to represent the situation.
Solve the question for x.
Show your work or explain your answer
Write your answer as a sentence that describes what the variable x represents.
Enter your answer and your work or explanation in the box provided.

Answer 1

To solve the equation \(5(x + 3.50) = 27.50\) for \(x\), we will first simplify and isolate \(x\).

1. **Distribute the 5**:
\[
5(x + 3.50) = 27.50
\]
This simplifies to:
\[
5x + 17.50 = 27.50
\]

2. **Subtract 17.50 from both sides**:
\[
5x + 17.50 - 17.50 = 27.50 - 17.50
\]
This gives:
\[
5x = 10.00
\]

3. **Divide both sides by 5**:
\[
x = \frac{10.00}{5}
\]
Thus,
\[
x = 2.00
\]

So, \(x = 2.00\).

**Interpretation of the variable**:
The variable \(x\) represents the price of each candle that Kayla purchased. Therefore, Kayla is buying candles that cost $2.00 each.