Final answer:
The baker's revenue R can be expressed as R = x * 6.50, and the cost C can be expressed as C = 45 + 25 + (x * 1.75). To find the number of cakes he needs to sell before making a profit, we set the revenue equal to the cost and solve for x. The baker will need to sell at least 15 cakes before making a profit.
Step-by-step explanation:
To express the revenue R as a function of x, we can use the equation R = x * 6.50. This is because the revenue is the number of cakes sold multiplied by the price per cake. So, every cake sold contributes $6.50 to the revenue.
To express the cost C as a function of x, we can use the equation C = 45 + 25 + (x * 1.75). The initial fixed costs of $45 for reserving a booth and $25 for traveling expenses are added to the variable costs of $1.75 per cake multiplied by the number of cakes sold.
To find the number of cakes he needs to sell before making a profit, we need to set the revenue equal to the cost and solve for x:
R = C => x * 6.50 = 45 + 25 + (x * 1.75)
Combining like terms, we get:
4.75x = 70
x = 70 / 4.75
x ≈ 14.74
Since you cannot sell a fraction of a cake, the baker will need to sell at least 15 cakes before making a profit.