Let ( C ) represent the cost of each bag of dog food. The equation to determine the cost is ( 10C - 5 = 65 ).
To express the relationship between the cost of each bag of dog food and the total spent, we use algebraic notation. Let ( C ) represent the cost of each bag. Molly bought 10 bags, so the total cost without considering the coupon would be ( 10C ). Since she had a $5 coupon, we subtract that amount, resulting in ( 10C - 5 ). According to the problem, this total cost is equal to $65. Therefore, the equation to determine the cost is ( 10C - 5 = 65 ).
To solve for ( C ), we isolate the variable on one side of the equation. Add 5 to both sides of the equation:
10C - 5 + 5 = 65 + 5
10C = 70.
Now, divide both sides by 10:
C = 7.
So, the cost of each bag of dog food is $7. The equation ( 10C - 5 = 65 ) accurately represents the relationship between the number of bags, the cost per bag, and the coupon, allowing us to determine the cost of each bag based on the given information.