1. **State the problem:** Azeema buys a cake for 245.50, balloons for 45.75, and snacks for 112.25. We need to find the total cost of these items. 2. **Write the numerical expression:** The total cost is the sum of the prices of all items. $$\text{Total cost} = 245.50 + 45.75 + 112.25$$ 3. **Calculate the sum:** $$245.50 + 45.75 = 291.25$$ $$291.25 + 112.25 = 403.50$$ 4. **Final answer:** The total cost of the items is **403.50**.