Question

what is the equation in this word problem? Suzanne is going to rent a car while she is out of town. One car rental company offers a flat rate of $35 per day plus $0.10 per mile. Another car rental company offers the same car for $25 per day plus $0.25 per mile. She will need the car for 5 days. How many miles would she need to drive for the first rental company to be a better deal?

Answer 1

r1 = 35*d + .10*m, rental car company 1
r2 = 25*d + .25m, rental car company 2

r1 will be a better deal when when r2 > r1
r2 > r1 when
35*5 + .10*m > 25*5 + .25m
5(35-25) > (.25 - .10)m
5*10 > (.15)m
50/.15 > m
m > 50/.15 = 33 1/3

Ans. When 33 1/3 miles have been driven, rental car company r1 will be a better deal.