Question

RyanRyan Street Barber Shop pays $ 30$30 per month for water for the first 12 comma 00012,000 gallons and $ 2.50$2.50 per thousand gallons above 12 comma 00012,000 gallons. Calculate the total water cost when the barber shop uses 8 comma 0008,000 ​gallons, 13 comma 00013,000 ​gallons, and 17 comma 00017,000 gallons.

Answer 1

• 8,000: $30
• 13,000: $32.50
• 17,000: $42.50

Step-by-step explanation:

8,000

This amount is below the quantity for which additional charges accrue. The base charge applies: $30.

13,000

This is 1000 gallons more than you get for $30, so costs an additional $2.50. The total water cost is ...

$30 +2.50 = $32.50

17,000

This is 5,000 gallons more than you get for $30, so costs an additional 5×$2.50 = $12.50. The total water cost is ...

$30 +12.50 = $42.50

_____

Comment on the water charges

$30 is the same as the cost of 12,000 gallons at $2.50 per thousand. So, the total bill can be figured at $2.50 per thousand, with a $30 minimum.

8 × $2.50 = $20, so the charge is the minimum, $30

13 × $2.50 = $32.50

17 × $2.50 = $42.50