To determine which company the O'Donnells should choose for their balloons, we can set up equations for the total cost from each company.
Let \( x \) be the number of balloons ordered, which is 30 in this case.
For Balloon Express:
- Cost per balloon: $2
- Delivery fee: $10
The total cost (TE) for Balloon Express can be calculated as: \[ TE_{\text{Express}} = 2x + 10 \] Substituting \( x = 30 \): \[ TE_{\text{Express}} = 2(30) + 10 = 60 + 10 = 70 \]
For Balloon Mania:
- Cost per balloon: $1.50
- Delivery fee: $20
The total cost for Balloon Mania can be calculated as: \[ TE_{\text{Mania}} = 1.5x + 20 \] Substituting \( x = 30 \): \[ TE_{\text{Mania}} = 1.5(30) + 20 = 45 + 20 = 65 \]
Summary of Costs:
- Total cost for Balloon Express: $70
- Total cost for Balloon Mania: $65
Decision:
The O'Donnells should choose Balloon Mania, as it costs $65, which is cheaper than Balloon Express by: \[ 70 - 65 = 5 \]
Conclusion:
The O'Donnells should choose Balloon Mania; $5 saved compared to Balloon Express.