To determine whether Helena's statement of having about $8.50 left on her gift card is reasonable, let's calculate the actual amount spent and then see how it compares to the options provided.
First, we calculate the total cost of the muffins:
- Each muffin costs $1.02.
- Helena bought muffins for herself and five friends, which means she bought a total of 6 muffins.
The cost for 6 muffins is: \[ 6 \times 1.02 = 6.12 \]
Next, we subtract the total cost of the muffins from the original balance on the gift card: \[ 14.48 - 6.12 = 8.36 \]
Now, let's analyze this result in the context of the options presented:
- Helena says she has about $8.50 left, and the calculated amount of $8.36 is reasonably close to this figure.
Now, let's examine each option:
A. This is not reasonable because $14.48 can be rounded to $14.50 and $1.02 can be rounded to $2. Since 14.50 - 6(2) = 2.50, she would have about $2.50 left on her gift card.
- This conclusion is incorrect because the rounding and calculations do not reflect the actual spending.
B. This is not reasonable because $14.48 can be rounded to $15 and $1.02 can be rounded to $2. Since 15 - 5(2) = 5, she would have about $5 left on her gift card.
- This conclusion is also incorrect due to similar issues with rounding and calculation.
C. This is reasonable because $14.48 can be rounded to $14.50 and $1.02 can be rounded to $1. Since 14.50 - 6(1) = 8.50, she would have about $8.50 left on her gift card.
- This conclusion aligns with the result of approximately $8.36, which is close to $8.50.
D. This is reasonable because $14.48 can be rounded to $14.40 and $1.02 can be rounded to $1. Since 14.40 - 5(1) = 9.40, she would have about $9.40 left on her gift card.
- This conclusion is incorrect as it overestimates the balance remaining.
In conclusion, the most accurate choice is C. Helena's statement that she has about $8.50 left on her gift card is reasonable.