To find the total amount \( a \) that Mike paid for buying 8 yards of ribbon, we can start by formulating the equation based on the cost per yard and the total yards purchased.
The cost per yard of ribbon is $3.50, and Mike bought 8 yards. So, the total amount \( a \) can be represented by the equation:
\[ a = \text{(cost per yard)} \times \text{(number of yards)} \]
Substituting the values we have:
\[ a = 3.50 \times 8 \]
Now we can calculate \( a \):
\[ a = 3.50 \times 8 = 28.00 \]
Thus, Mike paid \( a = 28.00 \) dollars.
Now regarding the part of your question:
If you are looking for an equation of the form \( \frac{a}{8} = ? \), we can set that up as:
\[ \frac{a}{8} = \text{cost per yard} \]
Substituting the value of \( a = 28.00 \):
\[ \frac{28.00}{8} = 3.50 \]
So, finally:
- The equation \( a = 3.50 \times 8 \) represents the amount Mike paid.
- The value of \( a \) is \( 28.00 \) dollars.
- The completed equation \( \frac{a}{8} = 3.50 \) confirms the cost per yard.