2. At the bake sale, Abby sold 8 more cupcakes than Carly. Abby sold 36 cupcakes. How many cupcakes did Carly sell? Define a variable and write an equation for this real-world problem. Variable: Eguation:

Let \( C \) represent the number of cupcakes Carly sold. Since Abby sold 8 more cupcakes than Carly and she sold 36 cupcakes, we can express this relationship with the equation: \[ C + 8 = 36 \] Now, to find how many cupcakes Carly sold, we can solve the equation: \[ C = 36 - 8 \] \[ C = 28 \] So, Carly sold 28 cupcakes. To add a bit of flavor to this cupcake dilemma, did you know that bake sales have been a staple of community fundraising since the 1920s? They originated as a delicious way for churches and schools to raise funds for projects or help families in need, blending indulgence with generosity! As you tackle similar math problems in the future, remember to clearly define your variables. A common mistake is to rush the setup; take a moment to understand what’s being asked and the relationships between the entities involved. Clear definitions will make equations a piece of cake!