Question

A towing company charges $40 to hook a car and $1.70 for each mile that is towed. Write an
equation that represents the total cost y for x miles towed. Find the y-intercept and interpret
its meaning in the context of the situation. ​

Answer 1

Given:

Fixed charges = $40

Variable charges = $1.70 for each mile.

To find:

The equation that represents the total cost y for x miles towed.

Find the y-intercept and interpret  its meaning in the context of the situation. ​

Solution:

Let y be the total cost for x miles.

Fixed charges = $40

Variable charges for 1 mile = $1.70

Variable charges for x mile = $1.70x

Now,

Total changes = Fixed charges + Variable changes

$y=40+1.70x$

Therefore, the required equation is $y=40+1.70x$.

Putting x=0 in the above equation, we get

$y=40+1.70(0)$

$y=40+0$

$y=40$

Therefore, the y-intercept is 40. It means the charges to hook a car is $40 if it is towed 0 miles.