Final answer:
In the function c=180n+250, 'n' is the independent variable and 'c' is the dependent variable. Solving for the number of nights within a $900 budget, you can afford to stay for 3 nights.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the function c=180n+250, the independent variable is n, which represents the number of nights you stay, and the dependent variable is c, which represents the total cost of lodging. To solve for the number of nights you can stay within a budget of $900, we set the equation equal to 900 and solve for n:
900 = 180n + 250
650 = 180n
n = 650 / 180
n = 3.61
Since the number of nights must be a whole number, you can stay for 3 nights within your budget, with some money left over. This question involves the understanding and manipulation of linear equations.