2.5b + 5r = 80The given equation describes the relationship between the number of birds, b, and the number of reptiles, r, that can be cared for at a pet care business on a given day. If the business cares for 16 reptiles on a given day, how many birds can it care for on this day?

Explanation

Choice A is correct. The number of birds can be found by calculating the value of b when r =16 in the given equation. Substituting 16 for r in the given equation yields 2.5b + 5(16) = 80 , or 2.5b + 80 = 80 . Subtracting 80 from both sides of this equation yields 2.5b = 0. Dividing both sides of this equation by 2.5 yields b = 0. Therefore, if the business cares for 16 reptiles on a given day, it can care for 0 birds on this day.