Write a real life situation to fit the following equation, then solve the equation into different ways. Show all the steps finally choose which solution method you like the best, and explain the reason. 8(x+9)=144

Real life situation: A bakery sells cupcakes for $8 each, and there are 9 more cupcakes on display than the number of cupcakes sold. The total revenue from the sale of cupcakes is $144.

Solution 1: Distributive property
8(x+9) = 144
8x + 72 = 144
Subtract 72 from both sides:
8x = 144 - 72
8x = 72
Divide both sides by 8:
x = 9

Solution 2: Isolating x
8(x+9) = 144
Divide both sides by 8:
x+9 = 18
Subtract 9 from both sides:
x = 18 - 9
x = 9

Solution 3: Working with the original equation
8(x+9) = 144
Divide both sides by 8:
x + 9 = 18
Subtract 9 from both sides:
x = 18 - 9
x = 9

The best solution method in this case is Solution 3, which is working with the original equation. This method is the most straightforward as it involves fewer steps. It directly isolates x by dividing both sides by 8, followed by subtracting 9 from both sides. This eliminates the need for expanding brackets or simplifying expressions, making it the most efficient solution.