Question

a parking garage charges a fixed amount of money for each hour (or even a portion of an hour) that it is used.
x = how many hours the garage is rented for.
y = the cost to rent the garage.
a
b
c
d

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the problem

The parking garage charges a fixed amount per hour (or portion of an hour). So, the cost \( y \) should increase by a constant amount for each additional hour (or portion) of \( x \). This means the graph should have a step - like increase, where for each interval of time (hour or portion), the cost jumps by a fixed amount and then stays constant until the next interval.

Step2: Analyze each graph

• Graph A: This is a curve that is increasing at an increasing rate (exponential - like). This would represent a situation where the cost per hour is increasing, not a fixed cost per hour. So, A is not correct.
• Graph B: This has a series of horizontal segments (steps) with jumps between them. Each step represents a fixed cost for a certain interval of time (hour or portion of an hour). When the time \( x \) moves to the next interval, the cost \( y \) jumps by a fixed amount (the cost per hour or portion). This matches the description of the parking garage's charging model.
• Graph C: This is a linear decrease. The cost is decreasing as time increases, which is the opposite of what a parking garage would do (they charge more for more time). So, C is incorrect.
• Graph D: This is a curve that is decreasing at a decreasing rate. The cost is decreasing as time increases, which is not consistent with a parking garage's charging model. So, D is incorrect.

Answer:

B