Shannon's mom told her that she can spend at most \( \$ 175 \) for party decorations and food for her birthday party. Shannon spent \( \$ 62.29 \) on decorations. If \( x \) represents the amount that Shannon spends on food for her birthday party, which inequality correctly represents this situation? A \( x-62.29 \leq 175 \) B \( 62.29+x \leq 175 \) C \( 62.29+x<175 \) D \( 62.29+x \geq 175 \)

To figure out how much Shannon can spend on food, we start with the total budget of \( \$ 175 \) and subtract the amount spent on decorations, which is \( \$ 62.29 \). The correct representation of what she has left to spend on food can be expressed as an inequality showing that the total amount spent on decorations and food must not exceed her total budget. Thus, the inequality that represents this situation is \( 62.29 + x \leq 175 \). If you chose option B, you nailed it! Shannon's birthday party is an excellent scenario showcasing how budgeting works in real life, especially when planning events. It's a prime example of why keeping track of expenses is crucial; it ensures you stay within budget and helps prevent overspending. Plus, learning to set up such inequalities helps sharpen your analytical skills that will come in handy in personal finance and future planning!