3. Carmen spent \( \$ 42 \) for 6 hats. How much did each hat cost?

To find out how much each hat cost, you simply divide the total amount spent by the number of hats. So, you take \( 42 \) and divide it by \( 6 \). Doing the math, \( 42 \div 6 = 7 \). Therefore, each hat cost \( \$ 7 \). Understanding the cost per item is a fundamental concept in budgeting! It helps you make smarter choices when shopping next time. For instance, if you find a sale on hats that lowers the price to \( \$ 5 \) each, you can calculate how much you save by buying in bulk or whether it’s worth it to stock up!