SOLUTION: The cost of renting a moving van for a 26 mile trip is $62.50. The cost of renting the same van for a 38 mile trip is $65.50. The cost changes at a constant rate with respect to th

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: The cost of renting a moving van for a 26 mile trip is $62.50. The cost of renting the same van for a 38 mile trip is $65.50. The cost changes at a constant rate with respect to th      Log On


   

Question 1111827: The cost of renting a moving van for a 26 mile trip is $62.50. The cost of renting the same van for a 38 mile trip is $65.50. The cost changes at a constant rate with respect to the length in miles of the trip. Find the total cost of renting the van for a 54 mile trip.
*sorry for posting the problem with the wrong data yesterday :<
Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Your description gives two data points of x for distance and y for cost:
(26, 62.5) and (38, 65.5).

Now you can determine the equation of the line which goes through the two points.

Starting in the point-slope form and choosing the first ordered pair point:
y-62.5=%28%2865.5-62.5%29%2F%2838-26%29%29%28x-26%29
Simplify this equation.

After that, just substitute x=54 to find corresponding y, cost for 54 miles.