To find the amount of change \( c \) that Mela receives after buying the shoes, you can set up the equation based on the total cost of the shoes and the amount she gave to the cashier.
The correct equation would be:
\[ c = 50 - 40.99 \]
This equation can also be rearranged to:
\[ c + 40.99 = 50 \]
So, from the available responses, the second option is correct:
c + 40.99 = 50; Mela receives $9.01 in change.
Now, to calculate her change:
\[ c = 50 - 40.99 = 9.01 \]
Thus, Mela receives $9.01 in change.