Question

Utility companies usually charge their customers based on the number of kilowatt-hours their customers consume in a period. Suppose the function A(p)=0.096p+19.50 represents the monthly charge, A, in dollars for a customer with Electric Company A consuming p kilowatt-hours of power. The function B(p)=0.104p+17.75 represents the monthly charge, B, in dollars for a customer with Electric Company B consuming p kilowatt-hours of power. Analyze the functions by interpreting the slope and y-intercept for each function in terms of the context for this situation. Then assess how the slope and y-intercept of Electric Company A compare with the slope and y-intercept of Electric Company B in this situation.

Answer 1

Explanation:

A(p) = 0.096p + 19.50

Company A charges a monthly fee of $19.50, and charges a rate of $0.096 per kilowatt-hour of energy.

B(p) = 0.104p + 17.75

Company B charges a monthly fee of $17.75, and charges a rate of $0.104 per kilowatt-hour of energy.

Company A has a higher monthly fee, and company B has a higher rate.