The cost of a taxi ride is a linear function of the distance traveled. If a 5 -mile ride costs 12 dollars and a 9 -mile ride costs 14 dollars , which equation can be used to find the cost, c , for any distance, m , traveled?
Answer
A
c minus 12 is equal to 2 times open paren m minus 5 close paren
B
c minus 9 is equal to 1 half times open paren m minus 5 close paren
C
c minus 12 is equal to 1 half times open paren m minus 5 close paren
D
c minus 9 is equal to 2 times open paren m minus 5 close paren
Explanation
The cost increases by $14 − $12 = $2 over 9 − 5 = 4 miles, so the rate is $2 ÷ 4 = $0.50 per mile. Using the 5-mile ride, which costs $12, the point-slope equation is c − 12 = 0.5(m − 5). This is choice C.
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