A cab company’s fare can be modeled by the linear function f(m) =5+3m where m represents the number of miles for the rider’s trip. Describe the parameters and what they represent in this context.

Answer 1

Hello!

To understand the question, let's quickly re-arrange the equation:

f(m) = 3m + 5

Looks like a slope/intercept form (y = mx + b)!

What does the 5 stand for? Well, if we were to plot as a graph, you'd notice that at x = 0, or where the graph intercepts, y = 5. So 5 represents what a rider pays (Possibly in dollars so $5) before the trip has even started.

We know that m in the equation 3m + 5 represents the no. of miles for the rider's trip. Therefore, m's co-efficient 3, is going to be $3 per mile. f(m) represents the total amount a rider pays for their trip

Why dollars? Well it can be any currency, really.

Hope this helps!