Final answer:
It correctly represents the cost of violets (12x) and orchids (7y) with a total cost constraint of $73. The coefficients align with the problem's context. Thus the correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the correct equation, let's consider the problem. The standard form of a linear equation is Ax + By = C, where A, B, and C are constants. In this case, we are looking for an equation that represents the total cost of violets and orchids, with the constraint that the total cost is $73. The correct equation is determined by the coefficients of x and y.
Analyzing option (a), (7x + 12y = 73), the coefficients do not match the problem's context. However, option (b), (12x + 7y = 73), correctly reflects the given scenario. The coefficient 12 represents the cost of violets, and 7 represents the cost of orchids, fitting the problem's context.
Option (c), (x + y = 73), lacks the necessary coefficients for differentiating the costs of violets and orchids. Option (d), (7x 12y = 73), contains a syntax error, and the absence of the plus sign suggests an incorrect representation.
Therefore, the correct equation is (12x + 7y = 73), accurately reflecting the relationship between the number of violets and orchids Zack can buy within the given budget.