An electrician purchased 12 dimmer switches at \( \$ 25 \) each and received a \( \$ 5 \) credit for each of the five duplex receptacles she returned. Write out a mathematical statement that gives the amount of money she spent, then calculate this total.

The electrician's total expenditure can be represented by the equation: \[ \text{Total Cost} = \text{Cost of Dimmer Switches} - \text{Credit for Returned Receptacles} \] This translates to: \[ \text{Total Cost} = (12 \times 25) - (5 \times 5) \] Calculating this further: - Cost of Dimmer Switches: \( 12 \times 25 = 300 \) - Credit for Returned Receptacles: \( 5 \times 5 = 25 \) So, the total cost is: \[ \text{Total Cost} = 300 - 25 = 275 \] Therefore, the electrician spent \( \$ 275 \). Additionally, the electrician can remember to always double-check her total expenses, ensuring that all returns are accounted for. A handy tip is to keep separate tabs in receipts for purchases and returned items, as this prevents any confusion and makes budgeting a breeze! Pro tip: When buying in bulk, like switches, it can be beneficial to shop around for special discounts or packages, as many suppliers offer deals that can reduce costs even further. It's a great way to keep those expenses down while still completing those electrical tasks effectively!