by tommywallach Mon Jun 09, 2014 11:02 pm
A group can charter a particular aircraft at a fixed total cost. If 36 people charter the aircraft rather than 40, then the cost per person is greater by $12.
a) What is the fixed total cost to charter the aircraft?
b) What is the cost per person if 40 people charter the aircraft?
I'd start by setting up equations using the average formula:
Cost/36 = x
Cost/40 = x - 12
Then multiply out:
Cost = 36x
Cost = 40x - 480
Then set equal:
36x = 40x - 480
4x = 480
x = 120
That's the cost per person. Total cost is just that times 36.
120 * 36 = 4320
To get cost per person at 40, just divide the result of the previous operation by 40.
4320/40 = 108
Hope that helps!
-t