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

Initial cost for a job = $2

Explanation:

Let initial cost be $x.

Fixed amount for each copied page = $y

John:

Fixed amount for 425 pages = 425*y = 425 y

x + 425y = 10.50 ---------------(i)

Peter:

Fixed amount for 300 pages = 300 * y =300y

x + 300y = 8 ---------------------(ii)

Multiply (ii) by (-1) and add the both equation. Thus x will be eliminated.

(i) x + 425y = 10.50

(ii)*(-1) -x - 300 y = - 8

125y = 2.50

y = 2.50/125

y = $ 0.02

Plug in y value in equation (i)

x + 425*0.02 = 10.50

x + 8.50 = 10.50

x = 10.50 - 8.50

x = $2