How do I solve this problem? What is the formula? Maria is renting kayaks from a local shop that charges a $10 fee, plus an hourly rate of $7.50. For how long can Maria rent the kayak if she pays a total of $70?

so what is the answer

the answer is 6 hours

To solve this problem, we need to set up an equation based on the given information. Let's use "x" to represent the number of hours Maria can rent the kayak for.

According to the information provided, Maria has to pay a $10 fee for renting the kayak, in addition to an hourly rate of $7.50. So, the equation for the total cost can be written as:

Total cost = $10 + ($7.50 * Hours)

Since Maria pays a total of $70, we can substitute these values into the equation:

$70 = $10 + ($7.50 * Hours)

To isolate the variable "Hours," we need to get rid of the $10 fee on the right side of the equation. We can do this by subtracting $10 from both sides:

$70 - $10 = $10 + ($7.50 * Hours) - $10

$60 = $7.50 * Hours

Now, divide both sides of the equation by $7.50 to solve for "Hours":

$60 / $7.50 = ($7.50 * Hours) / $7.50

8 = Hours

Therefore, Maria can rent the kayak for 8 hours if she pays a total of $70.

In summary, the formula for solving this problem is:
Total cost = $10 + ($7.50 * Hours)
To find the value of "Hours," you need to set up the equation using the given information, rearrange the equation to isolate the variable, and solve for the variable.