Question

Rent-A-Car rents compact cars for a fixed amount per day plus a fixed amount of each mile driven. Ben rented a car for 6 days, drove it 550 miles, and spent $337. Lisa rented the same car for 3 days, drove it 350 miles, and spent $185. What is the charge per day and per mile to rent that car?

Answer 1

$36 per day plus $0.22 per mile

Explanation:

For Ben,

Total miles driven = 550 miles

Number of days = 6 days

Total cost = $337

For Lisa

Total miles driven = 350 miles

Number of days = 3 days

Total cost = $185

Solving Simultaneously;

6d + 550m = 337

3d + 350 m = 185

Multiply equation 2 by 2 we have

6d + 550m = 337 ----1

6d + 700m = 370------2

So;

Subtracting equation 1 from equation 2

150m = 33

m = 33/150

m = $0.22

Substitute m=0.22 into equation 1

6d + 550(0.22) = 337

6d + 121 = 337

6d = 337 - 121

6d = 216

d = 216/6

d = $36

Hence the charge is $36 per day plus $0.22 per mile