The amount of a monthly electric bill (B, measured in $) depends
on the amount of electricity used that month (E, measured in
kWh). A typical public utility charges $0.12 per kWh for the first
300 kWh used, $0.17 per kWh for the next 600 kWh used, and
$0.29 per kWh for any excess electricity used that month.
How much would I have to pay if the amount of electricity used was 800? I'm a bit confused about how to calculate this...
300 + 500 = 800
.12(300) +.17(500) = ?
To calculate the amount you would have to pay for the given amount of electricity used, you need to break down the electricity usage into different tiers based on the rate charged for each tier.
Let's calculate it step by step:
Step 1: Identify the tiers and their corresponding rates:
- The first tier is up to 300 kWh, charged at $0.12 per kWh.
- The second tier is from 301 to 900 kWh (300 kWh + 600 kWh), charged at $0.17 per kWh.
- Any excess electricity beyond 900 kWh is charged at $0.29 per kWh.
Step 2: Determine the electricity usage within each tier:
- For the given usage of 800 kWh, the usage falls within the second tier because it is greater than 300 kWh but less than or equal to 900 kWh. So, the electricity used in the second tier is 800 kWh.
Step 3: Calculate the cost for each tier:
- Tier 1 (first 300 kWh): $0.12 per kWh * 300 kWh = $36.00
- Tier 2 (next 500 kWh): $0.17 per kWh * 500 kWh = $85.00
Step 4: Calculate the total cost:
- The total cost is the sum of the costs for each tier: $36.00 (Tier 1) + $85.00 (Tier 2) = $121.00
Therefore, if the amount of electricity used was 800 kWh, you would have to pay $121.00 for your monthly electric bill.