Question

A mechanic charges a service fee of $50.00 and an hourly rate of $12.00. Another mechanic charges a service fee of $40.00 and an hourly rate of $15.00. After how many hours will the first mechanic be cheaper than the second mechanic?

A. 3 hours and 20 minutes or more
B. 3 hours and 21 minutes or more
C. 3 hours and 33 minutes or more
D. 3 hours and 34 minutes or more

Answer 1

The first mechanic will be cheaper than the second mechanic after 5 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine after how many hours the first mechanic will be cheaper than the second mechanic, we need to set up an equation and solve for the number of hours. Let x be the number of hours.

For the first mechanic, the total cost is 50 + 12x.

For the second mechanic, the total cost is 40 + 15x.

We need to find the value of x when the first mechanic's cost is less than the second mechanic's cost.

Setting up the inequality: 50 + 12x < 40 + 15x.

Simplifying the inequality: -2x < -10.

Dividing both sides by -2, we get x > 5.

Therefore, the first mechanic will be cheaper than the second mechanic after 5 hours.