16Hit1600
AlgebraHardBoat hire cost from two known prices

Algebra practice question

The cost of hiring a boat is a linear function of the number of hours. Hiring the boat for 2 hours costs $45, and hiring it for 5 hours costs $90. What is the cost, in dollars, of hiring it for 8 hours?

Answer: 135

The rate is (90 − 45)/(5 − 2) = 15 dollars per hour, so 8 hours cost 90 + 15(3) = 135.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 120
120 is 15 × 8, forgetting the $15 fixed charge.
If you answered 144
144 scales 45 by 8/2.5, a misreading.
If you answered 180
180 doubles the 5-hour price, treating the cost as proportional.

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