Final answer:
To determine the cost of one doughnut, set up equations based on Michelle's purchases and solve for the variable D. The cost of one doughnut is $0.25.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the cost of one doughnut, we can set up an equation based on the information given. Let's let D represent the cost of one doughnut. On Sunday, Michelle spent $1.25 on a newspaper and 2 doughnuts, so the equation would be: 1.25 + 2D = total cost. On Monday, Michelle spent $0.50 on a newspaper and 5 doughnuts, so the equation would be: 0.50 + 5D = total cost. Now we can solve the system of equations to find the value of D.
Combining the two equations, we get: 1.25 + 2D = 0.50 + 5D. Simplifying, we have: 2D - 5D = 0.50 - 1.25. This becomes: -3D = -0.75. Finally, dividing both sides by -3, we find that D = 0.25.
Therefore, the cost of one doughnut is $0.25.