Final answer:
The equation to find the number of days Val rented the bicycle is 123 = 55 + 8.50d. Subtracting the flat fee from the total and dividing by the daily fee shows she rented it for 8 days.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of days Val rented the bicycle, we need to set up a linear equation. The equation will be based on the information that there is a flat rental fee plus a daily fee multiplied by the number of days she rented the bicycle. The total cost of the bicycle rental was $123, the flat rental fee was $55.00, and the daily cost was $8.50.
The equation to find the number of days (d) she rented the bicycle can be represented as:
Total Cost = Flat Rental Fee + (Daily Fee × Number of Days)
In this case, this translates to:
123 = 55 + 8.50d
To solve for 'd', subtract 55 from both sides:
123 - 55 = 8.50d
Then, divide by 8.50 to find the number of days:
d = (123 - 55) / 8.50
d = 68 / 8.50
d = 8 days
Therefore, Val rented the bicycle for 8 days.