Solve The Candle Equation: A Math Problem

Hey there, math enthusiasts! Let's dive into a fun little problem about Katie and her candle-buying spree. This isn't just about candles; it's about learning how to use equations to solve real-world scenarios. Ready to unravel the mystery and find the right equation? Let's get started!

Understanding the Problem: The Candle Conundrum

Alright, so here's the deal: Katie went online and ordered some awesome candles. Each candle cost her $3. The website also charged a flat shipping fee of $6, which is pretty standard. The best part? No sales tax! Katie's total spending was $54. Our goal is to figure out which equation correctly represents this situation, helping us find out how many candles, represented by the variable c, Katie bought. It's like a financial puzzle, and we're the detectives! To crack this case, let's break down the costs. First, we have the cost of the candles. Since each candle costs $3, the total cost for c candles would be $3 multiplied by c, or 3c. Then, we need to add the shipping fee, which is a fixed $6. The total cost is the sum of these two amounts, which equals $54. So, the question asks us to translate this into a mathematical equation. We need to identify the equation that accurately reflects this relationship between the cost of the candles, the shipping fee, and the total amount spent. This involves understanding how to represent variable costs (like the candles) and fixed costs (like shipping) within a single equation. Let's use our skills and figure it out!

Keywords: Equations, problem-solving, cost analysis, variables, flat fee, total cost. This involves understanding how to represent variable costs (like the candles) and fixed costs (like shipping) within a single equation.

Breaking Down the Costs: A Step-by-Step Approach

Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Katie's expenses can be broken down into two main parts: the cost of the candles and the shipping fee. The cost of the candles is where the variable comes in. Since each candle costs $3, the more candles she buys, the more she spends on candles. We represent this with 3c, where c is the number of candles. Now, the shipping fee is a flat rate. It doesn't change regardless of how many candles she buys. It's a constant $6. To find the total cost, we need to add these two components together. The equation we're looking for will add the cost of the candles (3c) and the shipping fee ($6) to equal the total amount spent ($54). So, we can say that the total cost is calculated by summing the variable cost (the cost of candles) and the fixed cost (the shipping fee). This is a fundamental concept in both basic math and more advanced accounting principles. By identifying each cost component, we are essentially building the building blocks for creating the correct equation. We're looking for an equation that clearly demonstrates how the variable and fixed costs combine to form the total cost that Katie paid. This step-by-step method helps clarify the connections between each of the financial components.

Identifying the Correct Equation: The Solution Unveiled

Okay, guys, it's time to find the correct equation that represents Katie's spending. We know from our breakdown that the cost of the candles is 3c, the shipping fee is $6, and the total amount is $54. To find the total cost, we add the cost of the candles and the shipping fee. Therefore, the equation should be 3c + 6 = 54. Now, let's look at the options provided. Option A, which is 3c = 54, only considers the cost of the candles and ignores the shipping fee. This can't be correct because we know there's a shipping fee involved. Option B, 6c = 54, seems to focus on the shipping cost, but it multiplies the shipping fee by the number of candles, which is not correct. Option C, 3c + 6 = 54, accurately represents the cost of the candles plus the shipping fee equaling the total amount spent. So, by adding the cost of the candles (3c) to the fixed shipping fee ($6), we arrive at the total cost of $54. This aligns perfectly with the problem description and clearly reflects how the different costs contribute to the total expense. We can conclude that Option C is the correct answer because it incorporates all the costs involved and their relationship to the total amount paid.

Keywords: Correct equation, problem-solving strategy, total cost, variable cost, fixed cost, mathematical representation.

Conclusion: The Final Answer

So, after careful consideration, the correct equation that represents Katie's candle purchase is C. 3c + 6 = 54. We’ve successfully solved the problem by identifying the different cost components and translating them into a mathematical equation. Remember, understanding how to break down a problem into its components, identifying variables and constants, and creating equations based on those factors is crucial. Keep practicing, and you'll become a pro at these problems! We have learned how to break down the problem into smaller parts and create a simple equation. This skill is super useful in different situations. Now that we have the equation, you can solve for c to find out how many candles Katie ordered. Great job, everyone! Keep up the excellent work, and always remember to break down the problems, look at each component individually, and work your way through.

Keywords: Problem-solving, equation, correct answer, financial literacy, breaking down problems.