Kayla is purchasing 5 candles for x dollars each and 5 candle holders for $3.50 each. Kayla paid a total of $27.50. Before tax, what is the cost per candle?
Let's first calculate the total cost of the candles and candle holders:
Cost of 5 candles = 5 * x
Cost of 5 candle holders = 5 * $3.50 = $17.50
Total cost = Cost of candles + Cost of candle holders
$27.50 = 5x + $17.50
5x = $27.50 - $17.50
5x = $10
x = $10 / 5
x = $2
So, the cost per candle before tax is $2.