HOW MANY BOXES?

Question

A moving company charges a flat rate of $140, and an additional $6 for each box. If a taxi service would charge $20 for each box, what is the minimum number of boxes you would need for it to be cheaper to use the moving company?

Answer 1

Okay, this one has a very nice answer. Start by making an equation. The $140 flat fee is there no matter what youd o, but every box adds 6, adds 6, adds 6...which means you need to multiply the boxes by 6:

140 + 6X  = 20X        Similarly, you add $20 for each box, which means multiplying by 20. Now solve:

        -6X      -6X

 

140          = 14X

140 / 14  = 14X / 14

       10      =   X

They match at 10. Notice that the moving company fee grows more slowly. Once you pass 10 boxes, it will become cheaper than the taxi service.