Solve this real-world problem using a system of equations. The O’Donnells are having a birthday party for their son, and they plan to have a clown bring balloons to the party. Balloon Express charges $2 per balloon and $10 for delivery. Balloon Mania charges $1.50 per balloon and $20 for delivery. If the O’Donnells plan to order 30 balloons, which company should they choose, and how much will they save?

Question

Solve this real-world problem using a system of equations. The O’Donnells are having a birthday party for their son, and they plan to have a clown bring balloons to the party. Balloon Express charges $2 per balloon and $10 for delivery. Balloon Mania charges $1.50 per balloon and $20 for delivery. If the O’Donnells plan to order 30 balloons, which company should they choose, and how much will they save?

Responses

Balloon Express; $5
Balloon Express; $5 - no response given

Balloon Express; $25
Balloon Express; $25 - no response given

Balloon Mania; $25 
Balloon Mania; $25  - no response given

Balloon Mania; $5
show your work

Answer 1

Let x = number of balloons ordered

For Balloon Express:
Cost = 2x + 10

For Balloon Mania:
Cost = 1.50x + 20

Given that the O'Donnells plan to order 30 balloons, substitute x = 30 into the equations above:

For Balloon Express:
Cost = 2(30) + 10
Cost = 60 + 10
Cost = 70

For Balloon Mania:
Cost = 1.50(30) + 20
Cost = 45 + 20
Cost = 65

Comparing the two costs, the O'Donnells should choose Balloon Mania which costs $65. They will save $5 by choosing Balloon Mania over Balloon Express.

Therefore, the answer is: Balloon Mania; $5