16Hit1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumInterpreting the constant term in context

Algebra practice question

A gym charges its members according to the function C(m) = 25m + 40, where C(m) is the total cost, in dollars, of a membership lasting m months.

Which statement best describes the meaning of the number 40 in this context?

  1. A. It is a one-time fee charged regardless of how many months the membership lasts.Correct
  2. B. It is the cost of each additional month of membership.
  3. C. It is the total cost of a 25-month membership.
  4. D. It is the number of months included in the membership.

Answer: A. It is a one-time fee charged regardless of how many months the membership lasts.

In C(m) = 25m + 40, the 40 is added no matter what m is — even at m = 0 the cost is 40. A cost that doesn't depend on the number of months is a fixed, one-time charge.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It is the cost of each additional month of membership.
The per-month cost is the number multiplied by m, which is 25.
C. It is the total cost of a 25-month membership.
A 25-month membership costs 25(25) + 40 = 665. The 40 is one part of every total, not a total itself.
D. It is the number of months included in the membership.
40 is a dollar amount added to the cost, not a count of months. The number of months is the variable m.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.