To find the correct equation that represents the original cost of groceries Nick bought, we need to account for the coupon he used and the total amount he paid.
Let \( n \) be the original cost of the groceries before the coupon. Nick had a coupon for $15.50 off, so the cost after applying the coupon would be:
\[ n - 15.50 \]
According to the problem, after applying the coupon, he paid $34.63. Therefore, we set up the equation:
\[ n - 15.50 = 34.63 \]
To find \( n \), we solve the equation:
- Add \( 15.50 \) to both sides:
\[ n = 34.63 + 15.50 \]
- Calculate the right side:
\[ n = 50.13 \]
So, the original cost of the groceries Nick bought was $50.13.
The correct equation is:
\[ n - 15.50 = 34.63; \text{ the original cost of the groceries Nick bought was } $50.13. \]