Final answer:
The total cost of making x candles can be found using the expression 22.50 + 5x. If 8 candles are made, the total cost is $62.50.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the total cost of making x candles, we need to consider the cost of the mold and the cost of the wax for each candle. The cost of the mold for one candle is $22.50, and the cost of the wax for one candle is $5. Therefore, the algebraic expression for the total cost of making x candles is 22.50 + 5x.
In this case, you are making 8 candles, so we can substitute x with 8 in the expression. Therefore, the total cost is 22.50 + 5(8) = 22.50 + 40 = $62.50.