<PRE><B>Question 1034001</B>
let x = the number of band members.


the cost of the trip is equal to 40,000 + 15,000 + 225 * x.


simplify this to get the cost of the trip = 55,000 + 225 * x.


if each member contributes 500 dollars, then the total cost of the trip will be equal to 500 * x.


your equation becomes 500 * x = 55,000 + 225 * x.


subtract 225 * x from both sides of this equation to get:


275 * x = 55,000.


divide both sides of this equation by 275 to get:


x = 55,000 / 275 = 200.


your solution is that 200 band members can make the trip if each of them contributes 500 dollars to the cost of the trip.


200 * 500 = 100,000 dollars total.


55,000 + 225 * 200 = 100,000.


200 band members can pay for the total cost of the trip if each contributes 500 dollars.


225 * 200 = 45,000 for the variable cost of food and buses.


275 * 200 = 55,000 for the fixed cost of airline and hotel.


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