Final answer:
The equation that shows the number of rides, R, as a function of the total cost, C, is D) R = C - 12/4, which simplifies to R = C - 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
You have asked which equation shows the number of rides, R, as a function of the total cost C. To determine this, we need an equation where R is isolated on one side, typically represented in the format R = some function of C. In the context of writing an equation that expresses one variable as a function of another, you are working with linear equations.
Considering the options you've provided, the only equation that properly expresses R as a function of C without additional operations needed on R is option D) R = C - 12/4. This equation simplifies to R = C - 3, which directly shows R as a function of C, assuming that the cost for each ride is constant and that there is no initial fixed cost. This kind of problem is a typical example of how to express a linear relationship between two variables, which you can often see in a Practice Test focused on Linear Equations like the examples given in the information you provided.