Question

The equation to determine the weekly earnings of an employee at the hamburger shack is given by w(x), where x is the number of hours worked. w(x) = 10x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 40 15(x − 40) + 400, x > 40      determine the difference in salary, in dollars, for an employee who works 52 hours versus one who works 38 hours. determine the number of hours an employee must work in order to earn $445. explain how you arrived at this answer.

Answer 1

To arrive at the answer, I graphed the piecewise function using a graphing calculator, then evaluated it at x=38 and x=52. I drew a line at y=445 and found the point of intersection on the graph.

a) The difference between earnings for 52 hours ($580) and earnings for 38 hours ($380) is $200.

b) An employee must work 43 hours to earn $445.