To interpret the given linear function \( b(x) = 100 + 15x \), where \( b(x) \) represents the total cost of the party and \( x \) represents the number of people attending (excluding Leslie and Steve), we can analyze the situation step-by-step.
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Identify the Costs:
- The base rental cost of the bowling alley is $100.
- There is an additional charge of $15 for each person attending the party.
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Bill at the End of the Evening:
- At the end of the event, Leslie receives a bill of $550.
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Set Up the Equation:
- We know that the total cost \( b(x) \) at the end of the party is $550, so we set up the equation: \[ b(x) = 100 + 15x = 550 \]
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Solve for \( x \):
- Start by isolating the variable \( x \): \[ 100 + 15x = 550 \] \[ 15x = 550 - 100 \] \[ 15x = 450 \] \[ x = \frac{450}{15} \] \[ x = 30 \]
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Interpret the Result:
- The value \( x = 30 \) represents the number of people attending the party, excluding Leslie and Steve. Since Leslie and Steve are part of the total attendance, we need to add them to find the total number of attendees.
So, the total number of people who attended the party is: \[ 30 + 2 = 32 \]
Thus, the answer to the question "In addition to Leslie and Steve, how many other people attended this birthday party?" is 30.