8. Function C gives the cost, in dollars, of buying \( n \) apples. Which statement best represents the meaning of \( \mathrm{C}(10)=9 \) ? \( \begin{array}{ll}\text { a. The cost of buying } 9 \text { apples } & \text { b. The cost of } 10 \text { apples is } \$ 9 \\ \text { c. The cost of } 9 \text { apples is } \$ 10 & \text { d. Ten apples cost } \$ 9\end{array} \)

To interpret the statement \( \mathrm{C}(10) = 9 \), we need to understand what the function \( \mathrm{C}(n) \) represents. Here, \( n \) is the number of apples, and \( \mathrm{C}(n) \) gives the cost in dollars of buying \( n \) apples. The expression \( \mathrm{C}(10) = 9 \) means that when you buy 10 apples, the cost is 9 dollars. Now, let's analyze the options: - **a. The cost of buying 9 apples**: This is incorrect because the expression specifically refers to the cost of buying 10 apples, not 9. - **b. The cost of 10 apples is \$ 9**: This is a correct interpretation of \( \mathrm{C}(10) = 9 \). - **c. The cost of 9 apples is \$ 10**: This is incorrect as it does not relate to the expression given. - **d. Ten apples cost \$ 9**: This is also a correct interpretation of \( \mathrm{C}(10) = 9 \). Both options **b** and **d** convey the same meaning. However, since the question asks for the best representation, we can conclude that: The best statement that represents the meaning of \( \mathrm{C}(10) = 9 \) is: **d. Ten apples cost \$ 9.**