Final answer:
The cost for each trip to the taco bar was $8.75 after subtracting the total cost of sodas ($12) from the overall bill ($64.50) and divvying up the remainder by the number of trips.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked how much each trip to the taco bar was for the Mayo family, given that the total cost for 6 trips and 6 sodas was $64.50 and each soda cost $2. This is a straightforward algebraic problem that involves solving for a single variable. First, calculate the total cost of the sodas by multiplying the number of sodas by the cost per soda. With 6 sodas at $2 each, the total cost for sodas is $12. Subtract this amount from the total cost to find the cost of the taco bar trips. With the remaining total of $52.50 for 6 trips, divide by 6 to find the cost per trip. This calculation shows that each trip to the taco bar costs $8.75.
Example of Solving a Consumer Budget Problem
Similarly, when looking at consumer budget problems, individuals have to work within their means to allocate funds appropriately. For instance, if Alphonso has $10 to spend each week on bus tickets and burgers, with burgers costing $2 each and bus tickets $0.50 each, he needs to determine how many of each he can afford without exceeding his budget. This is an exercise often encountered in everyday life, demonstrating the importance of basic arithmetic and algebra in financial decision-making.