Question 399836
Let {{{C[j]}}} = the total charged by Jones.
Let {{{C[p]}}} = the total charge by Phenso.
h = number of hours.
{{{C[j] = 50+39h}}} "Jones' charges $50 for a service call plus an additional $39 per hour for labor,"
{{{C[p] = 32+45h}}} "...and Phenso charges $32 for a service call plus an additional $45 per hour for labor."
If both companies were to charge the same, then {{{C[j] = C[p]}}} so...
{{{50+39h = 32+45h}}} Solve for h. Subtract 32 from both sides.
{{{18+39h = 45h}}} Subtract 39h from both sides.
{{{18 = 6h}}} Finally, divide by 6.
{{{h = 3}}}hours.
If h=4, then:
{{{C[j] = 50+39(4)}}}
{{{C[j] = 50+156}}}
{{{C[j] = 206}}}dollars. and...
{{{C[p] = 32+45(4)}}}
{{{C[p] = 32+180}}}
{{{C[p] = 212}}}dollars.
Jones' electric would be the best (cheapest) choice at $206 for 4 hours.