Question

Alice, Ben, and Calvin are waiting at a taxi stand, since taxis are the only ride service in this town. Although they haven’t met before, they begin talking and realize they are all are going along the same route to get to their respective destinations. Alice’s destination is 20 miles away, Ben’s destination is 30 miles away, and Calvin’s destination is 40 miles away. The taxi costs $2 per mile with tip included. The fare is the same no matter the number of passengers. Provide an argument as to how much each person should pay, if the three share a cab to their respective destinations

Answer 1

Answer: $17.78; 26.67; 35.56

Explanation:

Given the following information.:

Price of cab = $2 per mile , irrespective of the number of passengers.

Alice's destination = 20 miles

Ben's destination = 30 miles

Calvin's destination = 40 miles

If the three share a cab, the cab fee will be (cost per mile * number of miles of the farthest destination).

($2 * 40) = $80

Let price = a, for 20 miles

Ben's mile = 30 miles = 1.5 times Alice's miles, then Ben's pay = (1.5a)

Calvin's mile = 40 miles = 2 times Alice's miles, then Calvin's pay = (2a)

Thus,

a + 1.5a + 2a = $80

4.5a = $80

a = $80 / 4. 5

a = $17.78

Ben's pay = 1.5a = $26.67

Calvin's pay = 2a = $35.56