Question

I have a question with a word problem. I am studying algebra 2 and there doesn't seem the problem gives me enough information. Please help so I can help my son understand. A group of friends is going to the movies. Each ticket costs $8. Write an equation to model the total cost of the group's tickets. I think I may be thinking too much about it, but as I said, it doesn't seem like enough information to write an equation. Thank you so much for any help in advance!!!

Answer 1

Please help me figure out what I'm missing:)

Answer 2

I believe 8x is the start...

Answer 3

You're right, this problem is easier than it seems. You have the correct answer, you just need to write it as an equation:

Total Ticket Cost = $8 * (Number of People in the Group)

Answer 4

So 8x, any y represents number of people and c would be total ticket cost?

Answer 5

No x would be number of people in the group, duh... What is y?

Answer 6

See i then have to graph the equation and find the x and y intercept which makes me think i'm missing something...

Answer 7

I'm not sure. Where are you getting those variable names?

If I had to guess, I'd assume the following:

y = Total Ticket Cost
c = Individual Ticket Cost ("c" stands for Constant in this case)
x = Number of People in the Group

Answer 8

Because we have been doing x and y intercepts.

Answer 9

I really appreciate your time.

Answer 10

Yeah, I stand by my previous guess, since it matches the general format of an equation:

y = mx + b

Where m = c, and b = 0, making this:

y = cx

Try graphing it and see what happens. You're very welcome; glad I could help.

Answer 11

Luke, should both coordinates be 0,0 and 0,0 due to lack of information?

Answer 12

Well, (0, 0) is definitely a point on the line. Does the question ask for two points on the line?

Answer 13

It asks me to graph it which I think should be impossible... The next question gives me the total cost which I understand now thanks to you...

Answer 14

Well, just think about it this way: if nobody is in the group, then the total ticket cost is zero. That is the point (0, 0). If one person is in the group, the total cost of the tickets is $8, which is the point (1, 8). If you put those two points on a graph and draw a line between them, that's the graph of the equation.

Answer 15

I meant to say that you should draw a line connecting, and extending beyond, those points.

Answer 16

Thank you!!! I understand so much better now!!! I'm embarrassed to admit I took calculus in college, but you lose what you don't practice:)

Answer 17

I don't remember most of Calculus either, so no worries! I completely understand.