Question

Christopher buys a box of pens for $4.38 and is given $0.62 as change. Which equation represents the situation if x is the amount Christopher had before he bought the pens?

A. x - 4.38 = 0.62
B. x + 4.38 = 0.62
C. x - 0.62 = 4.38
D. x + 0.62 = 4.38

Answer 1

Christopher had $5.00 before purchasing the pens. The correct equation representing the situation is x - 4.38 = 0.62, which identifies the amount Christopher had originally.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct equation to represent the situation where Christopher buys a box of pens for $4.38 and is given $0.62 as change is x - 4.38 = 0.62. To find the amount Christopher had before he bought the pens, we start with the amount he had (x), subtract the cost of the pens, and the result should be equal to the change he received ($0.62). The equation can be set up as follows:

1. Start with the amount Christopher had: x.
2. Subtract the cost of the pens: x - 4.38.
3. The result should equal the change given: x - 4.38 = 0.62.

To solve the equation, we would add 4.38 to both sides to isolate x on one side of the equation:

x - 4.38 + 4.38 = 0.62 + 4.38

x = 5.00

Therefore, Christopher had $5.00 before he bought the pens. Option A is the correct equation.