Question

Gaspar writes the algebraic expression 5b +3.79.

It represents the total cost, in dollars, of buying 5 bagels
and a container of cream cheese. Identify any variables,
coefficients, and terms in the expression. Tell what
each represents.

Answer 1

5b+3.79 has two terms, 5b and 3.79.

The variable b seems to represent the cost of one bagel. Since we know Gaspar bought 5 bagels, 5b would represent the cost of 5 bagels.

In 5b, 5 is the coefficient and b is the variable.

Since 5b represents the cost of the bagels, then 3.79 would appear to be the cost of the cream cheese.

Answer 2

The variable "b" represents the cost of one bagel (in dollars).

The coefficient "5" represents the number of bagels purchased.

The constant "3.79" represents the cost of one container of cream cheese (in dollars).

Explanation:

Given algebraic expression:

• 5b + 3.79

If the given algebraic expression represents the total cost, in dollars, of buying 5 bagels and a container of cream cheese, then:

• The variable "b" represents the cost of one bagel (in dollars).
• The coefficient "5" represents the number of bagels purchased.
• The constant "3.79" represents the cost of one container of cream cheese (in dollars).