Mary’s yard is a mess. She needs to hire someone to prune her trees and shrubs. A landscaping service she calls quotes her a price of $15 consultation fee plus $8 an hour for the actual work. Mary’s neighbor has offered to help her out. She doesn’t charge a consultation fee, but does charge $10 an hour for her work.

Who do you think Mary should hire for a 3-hour job? When, if at all, would it be more economical to hire the other service. (Set up and solve a system of equations to answer this question.)

Question

Mary’s yard is a mess. She needs to hire someone to prune her trees and shrubs. A landscaping service she calls quotes her a price of $15 consultation fee plus $8 an hour for the actual work. Mary’s neighbor has offered to help her out. She doesn’t charge a consultation fee, but does charge $10 an hour for her work. 

Who do you think Mary should hire for a 3-hour job? When, if at all, would it be more economical to hire the other service. (Set up and solve a system of equations to answer this question.)