The equation is 1.75+3x=9.25. 1st step is to subtract 1.75 on both sides, which will leave you with 7.5. Divide that by 3 and x=2.5 which means that one box of popcorn costs $2.50
3w = $9.25 would be the equation in this case. In order to solve it, you must divide $9.25 by 3. $9.25 / 3 = $3.83 (repeating bar over the second 3). The cost of one box of popcorn is $3.83.