Answer: a) 146 units used b) the cost of the number of units used is 3136 p.
Explanation:
Since we have given that
First 100 units = 24 p per unit
Remaining units = 16 p per unit
New reading = 7143 units
Old reading = 6997 units
Difference between the readings would be

So, there are 146 units used.
(B) Calculate the cost of the number of units used
There are 146 units
For the first 100 units = 24 p per unit
For the remaining i.e. 146-1400 = 46 units , cost = 16 p per unit
Total cost of the number of units used is given by

Hence, a) 146 units used b) the cost of the number of units used is 3136 p.