Final answer:
Solving for the regular monthly gym membership rate involves setting up an equation based on the discount and the total amount paid over three months, then simplifying the equation to solve for the gym's regular monthly rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The task involves solving a linear equation to find the regular monthly rate for Malik's gym membership. By setting up an equation that incorporates the discount and the total amount paid, we can calculate the regular rate.
We know Malik pays $49.50 for 3 months after a monthly discount of $52. Let the regular monthly rate be represented by r. The discounted rate for a month would then be r - $52. Since Malik has this discounted rate for 3 months, we can set up the equation: 3 × (r - $52) = $49.50. To solve for r, we will multiply out the terms in the parentheses, and then divide both sides by 3, before adding $52 to isolate r.
The example of the Yoga Center, with its fixed rent and marginal costs for yoga teachers, is not directly related to Malik's gym membership scenario. However, it serves as an illustration of how businesses consider fixed and variable costs, similar to how Malik considers regular rates and discounts for his gym membership.