a. Let x be the number of square yards of carpeting <span>for which the total cost charged by the two companies will be the same.
We have an expression for the total cost of Country Carpets: ($22/ 1 yd^2)* (x yd^2) + $100 = $22*x+ $100 or 22x+ 100
We also have another expression for the total cost of City Carpets: ($25/ 1 yd^2)* (x yd^2)+ $70 = $25*x+ $70 or 25x+ 70
Now set the two expressions to be equal: </span>22x+ 100= 25x+ 70 ⇒ 100- 70= 25x -22x ⇒ 30= 3x ⇒ 30/3= x ⇒ 10= x <span> The final answer for a is 10 square yards of carpeting~
b. Let's assume that Mr. Shu wants to install carpeting for 1 square yard.
Country Carpets: $22*1+ $100= $122 City Carpets: $25*1+ $70= $95
Therefore, Mr. Shu will be likely to choose City Carpets if he wants to install carpeting for 1 square yard.
Now let's try x=11 (square yard): Country Carpets= $22*11+ $100= $342 City Carpets= $25*11+ $70= $345
Therefore, </span>Mr. Shu will be likely to choose Country Carpets if he wants to install carpeting for 11 square yard. <span> If you paid really close attention, you would notice that the price of City Carpets will be cheaper than the other when x is >0 and <10. At x=10, the price is equal. When x is >10, the price of Country Carpets will be cheaper than the other one. </span><span> So it depends: If x </span>were >0 and <10, Mr. Shu would be likely to choose City Carpets. If x were 10, Mr. Shu could choose either Country Carpets or City Carpets. If x were > 10, Mr. Shu would be likely to choose Country Carpets. <span> Hope this helps~