The local food pantry is asking for "Gobble Kit" donations - an itemized list of non-perishable food items and a $20 donation for a turkey. The food pantry will purchase the turkeys for the "Gobble Kits". Each "Gobble Kit" will include everything needed for a Thanksgiving meal and will be given to a family in need.

Question

Stacy donated three "Gobble Kits" and spent a total of $114. The equation shown represents the situation.
3(x+20)=114

What does the variable x
represent in Stacy's equation?

Answer 1

In Stacy's equation \(3(x + 20) = 114\), the variable \(x\) represents the total cost of the non-perishable food items included in one "Gobble Kit."

To break it down:

• The \(20\) in the equation represents the $20 donation for the turkey.
• Therefore, \(x + 20\) represents the total cost of one "Gobble Kit," which includes both the cost of the non-perishable food items (\(x\)) and the turkey ($20).
• Since Stacy donated three "Gobble Kits," the equation multiplies the total cost of one kit by 3, leading to \(3(x + 20)\).

Thus, \(x\) specifically indicates the amount spent on the non-perishable food items for one "Gobble Kit."