Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
One approach to this type of word problem is to list the information you are given:
Step 1:
$19.95 = basic monthly charge
$0.05 = per minute charge$23.74 = total monthly billx = the number of minutes used
Step 2:
Next, put these things into an algebraic expression.
Total monthly bill = basic monthly charge + (per minute charge) * (number of minutes used)
Step 3:
Now, plug in the numbers for your first step and solve.
$23.74 = $19.95 + $0.05x
-19.95 -19.95
$3.79 = $0.05x
divide each side by 0.05 to find x
You could also rewrite the problem at step 2. It just depends if you like working with numbers (algebra, variables, etc.) or thinking about the problem in words (more a verbal style of learning).
Number of minutes used = cost for minutes / per minute charge
Number of minutes used = (Total monthly charge - basic monthly charge) / per minute charge
