SOLUTION: I need help with learning how to solve word problems using the system of linear equations. I can do the problem if I just have to use one equation, but I am not quite sure of how t

Click here to see ALL problems on Linear-equations

Question 181586This question is from textbook Beginning & Intermediate Algebra
: I need help with learning how to solve word problems using the system of linear equations. I can do the problem if I just have to use one equation, but I am not quite sure of how to do it when you have to use 2 equations........PLS HELP
Twice last month, Judy rented a car from Enterprise in Freson, CA and traveled around the Southwest on business, Enterprise rents its cars for a daily fee, plus an additional charge per mile driven. Judy recalls that her first trip lasted 4 days, she drove 450 miles, and the rental cost her $240.50. On her second business tripshe drove 200 miles in 3 days, and paid 146.00 for the rental. Find the daily fee and milage charge.
Thanks in advance to anyone who is able to help me with this problem :) This question is from textbook Beginning & Intermediate Algebra

Answer by vleith(2983) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let d be the daily cost and m be the cost per mile
So the cost is given by

For the first trip

For the second trip

So you have 2 equations and 2 unknowns. You can solve this
We'll use substitution

So it costs 25 cents per mile
Now use that value for m, to solve for d

It costs 32 per day
Check your answer

Does 240.50 = 4*32 + 450(0.25) ???