Final answer:
To find the usual cost, d, for cleaning a dress, set up the equation d * 3 - 2 = 31. Solve for d by adding 2, dividing by 3. The usual cost for cleaning a dress is $11.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the usual cost, d, for cleaning a dress, we can set up an equation based on the information given. Let's assume the usual cost is represented by d.
Madelyn paid $31 in total after using a coupon that took $2 off the total. So, the equation can be written as: d * 3 - 2 = 31.
To solve this equation, we can start by adding 2 to both sides: d * 3 = 33.
Then, divide both sides by 3 to isolate d: d = 11.
Therefore, the usual cost for cleaning a dress is $11.