Lizzy: The total cost of Olivia's groceries was $42. The bananas cost her $12, the bread cost her $9, and the milk cost her $7. The only other groceries she bought were apples. In dollars, how much money did the apples cost her?.
Me: Hmmm, let me think. I think this is the detailed solution:
The combined cost of the bananas, bread, and milk was 12 + 9 + 7 = $28. The difference between this and the total is the cost of the apples, which must have therefore cost Olivia 42 28 = $14. Final answer: 14.