Question

state the practical meaning of the slope and y-intercept for the situation described.
the cost, in dollars, of retaining the services of a computer repairman in anchorville is given by $c = 48x + 18$, where $x$ is the number of hours worked.
a. 48 signifies the hourly rate, and 18 signifies the overhead charge.
b. -48 signifies the hourly rate, and 18 signifies the travel cost.
c. 18 signifies the hourly rate, and 48 signifies the overhead charge.
d. 66 signifies the cost for an on-site inspection.
please select the best answer from the choices provided
a
b
c
d

Explanation:

The cost function is \( C = 48x + 18 \), where \( x \) is hours worked. In a linear equation \( y = mx + b \), \( m \) (slope) is the rate of change, and \( b \) (y - intercept) is the initial value. Here, 48 (slope) is the hourly rate (cost per hour), and 18 (y - intercept) is the overhead charge (cost when \( x = 0 \), no hours worked). Option a matches this. Option b has a negative rate which doesn't make sense for cost. Option c swaps the meanings. Option d's 66 is not relevant as the function is \( 48x + 18 \).

Answer:

A. 48 signifies the hourly rate, and 18 signifies the overhead charge.