Final answer:
To calculate the number of miles traveled to the airport in an Uber, you subtract the fixed tip from the total paid and then divide by the rate per mile. The family traveled 16 miles to the airport.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how many miles were traveled to the airport when the Uber fare was $2.15 per mile and the driver was given a $7.60 tip, we need to define a variable for the number of miles, set up an equation, and solve for that variable. The total amount paid (including the tip) was $42. Let the variable x represent the number of miles traveled. The constant in this context refers to the tip, which does not change with the distance traveled. The total cost can be broken down into the fare plus the tip:
Total Cost = Fare + Tip
Total Cost = ($2.15 * x) + $7.60
We can set the equation as follows:
$42 = ($2.15 * x) + $7.60
Now we will solve for x by subtracting $7.60 from both sides of the equation:
$42 - $7.60 = $2.15 * x
$34.40 = $2.15 * x
Divide both sides by $2.15 to find the number of miles:
$34.40 / $2.15 = x
x = 16 miles
Therefore, the family traveled 16 miles to the airport.