Question

Susan and Bonnie are shopping for school clothes. Susan has $50 and a coupon for a $10 discount at a clothing store where each shirt costs $12.

Susan thinks that she can buy three shirts, but Bonnie says that Susan can buy five shirts. The equations they used to model the problem are listed below. Solve each equation algebraically, justify your steps, and determine who is correct.
Susan’s Equation Bonnie’s Equation

12n + 10 = 50 12n − 10 = 50


First, who is correct?

Answer 1

Bonnie is correct.

Explanation:

Input 5 for the amount of shirts for letter X then follow the steps for a multistep equation:

12(5) - 10 = 50

60 - 10 = 50

50 = 50

x = x or 1

So, Susan, as Bonnie said, can buy 5 shirts.