Final answer:
To model the situation, create an equation using the given information: (2.50x + 2.00(9)) / (x + 9) = 2.25
Step-by-step explanation:
To model the situation, we can create an equation using the given information. Let's define x as the number of roses and y as the cost of the bouquet. The cost of x roses at $2.50 each can be represented as 2.50x, and the cost of 9 carnations at $2.00 each can be represented as 2.00(9). The total cost of the bouquet is the sum of these two costs, which is 2.50x + 2.00(9).
Since the bouquet averages $2.25 per flower, we can set up the following equation:
(2.50x + 2.00(9)) / (x + 9) = 2.25
This equation models the situation and represents the average cost of the bouquet.