Final answer:
By setting up and solving a linear equation, we find that Zack bought 7 candies at the movie theater.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many candies Zack bought, we need to set up a linear equation based on the information provided. The total amount Zack spent is composed of the cost of his movie ticket and the total cost of candies.
First, let's denote the number of candies Zack bought as c. We are told that his movie ticket cost $5.75 and that each candy costs $2.25. Zack's total spending was $21.50. So, the equation representing this situation is:
5.75 + 2.25c = 21.50
To solve for c, we need to isolate the variable on one side of the equation:
- Subtract 5.75 from both sides of the equation: 2.25c = 21.50 - 5.75
- Calculate the remaining amount: 2.25c = 15.75
- Divide each side by the cost of one candy to find the number of candies: c = 15.75 / 2.25
- Perform the division: c = 7
Therefore, Zack bought 7 candies at the movie theater.