(2) The punch bowl at Felicia's party is getting low, so she adds 12 cups of punch to the bowl. Two guests serve themselves 1.25 cups and 2 cups of punch. The punch bowl now contains 11.5 cups of punch. How many cups were in the punch bowi before Felicia refilled it? Let \( n= \) number of cups in bowl before Felicia refilled it.

Let's break it down step by step! Initially, before Felicia added 12 cups, the punch bowl had \( n \) cups. After she added the punch, the bowl held \( n + 12 \) cups. Then, the two guests served themselves 1.25 cups and 2 cups, which totals 3.25 cups. So we have: \[ (n + 12) - 3.25 = 11.5 \] Now, let's simplify that equation: \[ n + 12 - 3.25 = 11.5 \] \[ n + 8.75 = 11.5 \] \[ n = 11.5 - 8.75 \] \[ n = 2.75 \] Therefore, there were 2.75 cups of punch in the bowl before Felicia refilled it! Now, onto some fun facts! Ever wonder how different cultures celebrate with punch? In the 19th century, punch was a party staple in colonial America, mingling flavors from various influences. It was often served in a large bowl, inviting guests to ladle their own servings, much like the lively gatherings we still enjoy today! Speaking of punch, you might want to consider the ratios of ingredients when making your own at home! A common mistake is mixing too much sweetness with not enough acidity. Aim for a balance like a classic Joy-In-A-Bowl recipe: about 1 part citrus (like lemon juice), 1 part sugar, and 4 parts liquid (like soda or tea) for a refreshing punch that will keep your guests happy and hydrated!