Josie wants to buy Internet access. One service provider charges a flat rate of $34.95/month. A second charges $25/month plus 33c/h. For what number of hours per month should Josie choose the flat rate?
you want the flat rate to be less expensive. That is, for h hours,
34.95 < 25.00 + 0.33h
so now just solve for x
30.15
To determine the number of hours per month for which Josie should choose the flat rate, we need to compare the cost of the two service providers and find out when the flat rate becomes more advantageous.
Let's start by calculating the monthly cost for the second service provider that charges $25/month plus 33c/hour. We can use the formula:
Monthly Cost = Flat Fee + (Hourly Rate * Number of Hours)
For the second service provider:
Flat Fee = $25
Hourly Rate = $0.33
Now, let's assume that Josie uses x hours per month. The formula can be written as:
Monthly Cost = $25 + ($0.33 * x)
For the first service provider that charges a flat rate of $34.95/month, the cost remains constant regardless of the number of hours used.
To determine when Josie should choose the flat rate, we need to find the point at which the monthly cost of the second provider becomes higher than $34.95.
Let's set up an equation to solve for x:
$25 + ($0.33 * x) = $34.95
To isolate x, subtract $25 from both sides:
$0.33 * x = $34.95 - $25
$0.33 * x = $9.95
Next, divide both sides of the equation by $0.33:
x = $9.95 / $0.33
x ≈ 30.15
Therefore, Josie should choose the flat rate for 30 or fewer hours per month.