Linear Functions and Equations - TEXT MESSAGE PLANS - Algebra 1

Question

Pedro's friend Chenetta is considering another text messaging plan that advertises the following: "A one-time joining fee of $3.00 and $0.08 per message."

Write an explicit formula for the text messaging plan.

Chenetta knows that she sends and receives about 1800 text messages per month. Use an example and other mathematical evidence to let Chenetta know if you think this plan would be a good deal for her.

Answer 1

Hi there! Great questions :)

For this cell phone plan, we know we have to pay a flat fee of $3. After that for every text message we send, we will be charged $0.08. Let's say "m" is the number of text messages sent and "C" is the total monthly cost of the plan:

C = .08m + 3

Now, it says she sends and receives 1800 texts per month. This is the number we will plug in for "m":

C = .08(1800) + 3

C = $144

This is a pretty high price for a cell service! In real world terms, she would be better to find a cell phone plan that doesn't charge per text since she sends such a high volume of text messages.