Question

Olivia ordered 24 cupcakes an a layer of cake. The layet cake cost $16, and the total cost of the order was $52 what was the price of each cupcake?

Answer 1

Step 1 is to find the total cost of the cupcakes. 
This is the DIFFERENCE between $16 and $52.

Difference implies subtract: $52−$16= $36
All the 24 cupcakes together cost $36.

Step 2 is to find out how much each cupcake cost.

24 cupcakes cost $36
One costs $36/24= $1.50

Each cupcake costs $1.50. Hope this helps!