Question

In your collection of 53 stamps, 37 cost less than S.25. Let \(y\) be the number of stamps that cost \(\$ .25\) or more. Which equation models the situation? A. \(53-y=37\) B. \(53+y=37\) C. \(53+37=y\)

Short answer

The equation that models the situation is \(53-y=37\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify given quantities

The problem gives two important pieces of information: a total of 53 stamps in the collection and 37 of them cost less than $0.25.

Define variable

The question lets \(y\) to represent the number of stamps that cost $0.25 or more.

Translate word problem to equation

We know that the total collection of 53 stamps is made up of stamps that cost less than $0.25 and those that cost $0.25 or more. Therefore, if we subtract the number of stamps that cost $0.25 or more (\(y\)) from the total number of stamps (53), we will get the number of stamps that cost less than $0.25. This gives the equation \(53-y=37\).