Question

amanda bought a reusable water bottle that cost $23.94 including tax. after buying the water bottle, amanda had $12.75 left in her wallet. let m represent how much money amanda had to start. which equation models the problem?\\( m - 23.94 = 12.75 \\)\\( m + 23.94 = 12.75 \\)solve this equation to find how much money amanda had to start.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify correct equation

Amanda's starting money minus the bottle cost equals the money left, so the equation is $m - 23.94 = 12.75$.

Step2: Isolate $m$

Add 23.94 to both sides:
$m = 12.75 + 23.94$

Step3: Calculate the sum

$m = 36.69$

Answer:

Correct equation: $m - 23.94 = 12.75$
Starting money: $\$36.69$