Final answer:
A linear cost function for the parking garage situation is C(x) = 55 + 0.45x, where x is the number of half-hours and C(x) represents the total parking cost for x half-hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write a linear cost function for the situation where a parking garage charges $55 plus 45 cents per half-hour, we need to identify the variables first. Let's define x as the number of half-hours a car is parked, and C(x) as the total cost of parking for x half-hours. The given situation establishes a fixed charge plus a variable charge that depends on the duration of parking.
The linear cost function is therefore C(x) = 55 + 0.45x. This represents the initial charge plus the cost per half-hour multiplied by the number of half-hours.
The correct identification of variables used is option d: C(x) represents the cost for using the parking garage for x half-hours.