Question

A copy center charges an initial cost per each new job, plus fixed amount for each copied page. John copied 425 pages and paid $10.50. Peter paid $8 for 300 pages. What is the initial cost for a job?

Show the work, do not write only the final answer!

Answer 1

Answer: The initial cost for a job is $2.

Explanation:

Hi, we have to write Cost equations for each case:

• John: x+ 425 y = 10.50
• Peter: x + 300y = 8

Where x is the initial cost and y is the cost per copied page.

Subtracting the second equation to the first equation

x+ 425 y = 10.50

-

x + 300y = 8

__________

125y =2.5

Solving for y:

y = 2.5/125

y= $0.02 per copied page

Replacing y on any equation:

x + 300 (0.02) = 8

x + 6 =8

x =8-6

x= 2

The initial cost for a job is $2.