Write a real life situation to fit the following equation, then solve the equation in two different ways. Show all the steps finally choose which solution method you liked best and explain your reason

8(x+9)=144

Real-life situation: A group of friends went to a bowling alley. The cost per person for one game is $8. The group played a total of "x" games, and each game took about 9 minutes. After playing, they realized they spent a total of $144.

Solution method 1: Distributive Property
8(x+9) = 144

Using the distributive property:
8x + 8*9 = 144
8x + 72 = 144

Subtracting 72 from both sides:
8x = 144 - 72
8x = 72

Dividing both sides by 8:
x = 72/8
x = 9

So the group played 9 games.

Solution method 2: Isolating x
8(x+9) = 144

Dividing both sides by 8:
x + 9 = 144/8
x + 9 = 18

Subtracting 9 from both sides:
x = 18 - 9
x = 9

Again, the group played 9 games.

The solution method I prefer is method 1: Distributive Property. This method allows for simplification of the equation by using the distributive property, making the equation easier to solve. It also involves less steps and calculations compared to method 2, which makes it more efficient.