Final answer:
The equation that describes the total cost y as a function of the hours x for the given parking lot is
y = 2x if x ≤ 4, and y = 3x - 4 if x > 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the equation that describes the total cost y as a function of the hours x in this parking lot scenario, we need to consider two different cases: when the parking time is 4 hours or less, and when it is more than 4 hours.
The equation that describes the total cost y as a function of the hours x for the given parking lot is:
y = 2x if x ≤ 4 (for the first 4 hours)
y = 2(4) + 3(x-4) = 8 + 3x - 12 if x > 4 (after the first 4 hours)
So, we have two equations for different conditions of x
y = 2x if x ≤ 4
y = 3x - 4 if x > 4