Final answer:
The solution (4, 16) given in the equation represents Mack buying 4 cans of paint and 16 floor tiles, amounting to the total cost of $227.80.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is learning about linear equations, where the equation 24.99x + 7.99y = $227.80 denotes the amount of money spent by Mack on x cans of paint and y floor tiles. The solution (4, 16) to this equation signifies that Mack bought 4 cans of paint and 16 floor tiles. This interpretation comes from assigning the value of 'x' as 4 and 'y' as 16, and when these values are plugged into the equation, they satisfy the total cost of $227.80.