1. **State the problem:** Melissa spent 29 on a calculator and 3 each for notebooks. We want to find an expression for her total cost if she buys $x$ notebooks. 2. **Identify variables and costs:** - Calculator cost: 29 (fixed) - Notebook cost: 3 each, so for $x$ notebooks: $3x$ 3. **Write the total cost expression:** Total cost = Calculator cost + Notebook cost $$\text{Total cost} = 29 + 3x$$ 4. **Check the options:** - $29 - 3x$ (subtracting notebook cost, incorrect) - $29x + 3$ (calculator cost multiplied by $x$, incorrect) - $-29 - 3x$ (negative costs, incorrect) - $3x - 29$ (notebook cost minus calculator cost, incorrect) - $29x - 3$ (calculator cost times $x$ minus 3, incorrect) - $3x + 29$ (notebook cost plus calculator cost, correct) **Final answer:** $3x + 29$ This expression correctly represents Melissa's total cost.