a) at most means it can cost $12 or less
so the inequality sign would be ≤
you would then need to multiply the number of toppings by the 0.35 for each one and add it to the cost of the cheese pizza.
the equation would be 9.99 + 0.35x ≤ 12
b) using the above equation:
9.99 + 0.35x ≤ 12
subtract 9.99 from each side:
0.35x ≤2.01
divide both sides by 0.35:
x ≤ 2.01 / 0.35
x ≤5.74
at most you could have 5 toppings.
the 5 topping pizza would cost: 0.35 x 5 = 1.75 + 9.99 = $11.74