Final answer:
The independent variable is the number of hours of labor, represented by 'x'. The dependent variable is the amount the plumber charges for a house call, represented by 'y'. The equation that can be used to find the amount the plumber charges for a house call based on the number of hours of labor is y = 50 + 25x.
Step-by-step explanation:
The independent variable in this situation is the number of hours of labor, represented by 'x'. The dependent variable is the amount the plumber charges for a house call, represented by 'y'.
The equation that can be used to find the amount the plumber charges for a house call based on the number of hours of labor is:
y = 50 + 25x
The y-intercept of the equation is 50, which represents the fixed fee of $50 for making a house call. The slope of the equation is 25, which represents the hourly labor rate of $25.
Interpreted, this means that for every hour of labor, the plumber charges an additional $25, and for just the house call without any labor, the plumber charges $50.