To determine what the number 5 represents in the equation [tex]\( y = 150 - 5x \)[/tex], let's break down the equation and understand its components:
1. Understanding the Variables:
- [tex]\( y \)[/tex] represents the current value of the meal card in dollars.
- [tex]\( x \)[/tex] represents the number of meals consumed.
2. Initial Value:
- The number 150 represents the initial value of the meal card; this is the amount on the card before any meals have been deducted.
3. Deduction per Meal:
- The term [tex]\( -5x \)[/tex] indicates that for every meal consumed (represented by [tex]\( x \)[/tex]), a certain amount is subtracted from the initial value (150).
4. Interpretation of the Number 5:
- The coefficient of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] (which is 5) in [tex]\( -5x \)[/tex] is the amount that is subtracted from the card for each meal consumed. This means that each meal costs 5 dollars.
Therefore, the number 5 in the equation [tex]\( y = 150 - 5x \)[/tex] represents the cost of one meal.
Thus, the correct answer is:
1. the cost of one meal
