How do i solve this?

Question

Ismael is comparing cell phone plans before upgrading his phone. Ameri-Mobile offers a low activation fee, but a high monthly payment. Cell-U-Later offers a lower monthly rate, but the activation fee is higher. Create a possible algebraic expression for both Ameri-Mobile and Cell-U-Later that shows the amount paid after an unknown amount of months have passed. Justify how you created those expressions, and identify what each term and factor represents in terms of the cell phone plans.

Answer 1

Cost = (monthly rate)*months + activation fee

 

Each company has a different monthly rate and activation fee, but the cost formula is the same for both.  The activation fee is a one-time cost and doesn't depend on how many months you belong to the plan.  The monthly rate is charged each month, so it depends on the number of months you belong to the plan.