A rental car company charges $36 plus a fourth of a dollar per mile. How many miles can Shawn drive if he only has $200?

Question

Write an equation using the word problem and solve.

Answer 1

Hi Eddie I'm Eddie I can help you today. Whenever you have word problems right out sentences, letters/variables that make sense let me explain.

Car $36 (car for C & $36 charge)

+ 1/4 m (1/4 dollar ok per mile)

$200 Shawn paid

Now combine it to a statement and/or equation.

A rental car is $36 flat + $.25 per mile driven. He paid $200 (Your own words if equation not obvious)

C = $36 + $.25m

Add the Shawn paid or equal to now understand.

$200 = $36 + $.25m

Now use algebra to solve. The hardest part is getting to this point imo.

$200 = $36 + $.25m $164 = $.25m

-$36

I realized using a fraction is more ideal .25 = 1/4

$164 = 1m Multiply 4 both sides 656 mi or miles = m

$ 4

Be careful right units so dollars or miles. This last step is skipped and cost easy points. If you like further assistance feel free to reach out for a first free session ok.