Since the form of the linear equation is
![y=mx+b](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/high-school/smsb8cbft03lwblmi49nf2l6jby2ofxzws.png)
m is the rate of change
b is the initial amount
Since the cost of the rental car is $25 and $0.15 for each mile, then
The initial amount is 25 dollars
b = 25
The rate of change is 0.15 dollars per mile
m = 0.15
Then the equation is
![T.C=0.15x+25](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/78mq2vzbmb3oxkmylcdk7wcgmu7t3058gi.png)
T.C is the total cost
x is the number of miles
Since the given total cost is $71.80
Then T.C = 71.8
![71.8=0.15x+25](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/9xqhj5mzb33oxi8rsz4g0jjmm95bho440o.png)
Subtract 25 from both sides
![\begin{gathered} 71.8-25=0.15x+25-25 \\ \\ 46.8=0.15x \end{gathered}](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/cijranibx4p6koofufsb90j23onpqxmpj8.png)
Divide both sides by 0.15
![\begin{gathered} (46.8)/(0.15)=(0.15x)/(0.15) \\ \\ 312=x \end{gathered}](https://img.qammunity.org/2023/formulas/mathematics/college/jxlzcliin8ttavjam7y1ld2275l3cpeqv8.png)
The car was driven for 312 miles
The answer is the last option