In a particular city, taxis charge an initial fee of $3.90 plus $1.60 per mile. How far can a passenger travel for $37.50 ?

The passenger can travel

nothing miles.

21 miles

21 miles

Step-by-step explanation:

Make an equation (let m represent miles, and t represent total cost)

Each miles costs 1.60, so that is represented by 1.60 times m. There is an initial fee of 3.90, regardless of the miles driven, so it is added on.

t=1.60m+3.90

We know a passenger's total cost was 37.50, so we can substitute that in

37.50=1.60m+3.90

We need to solve for m, so we need to get m by itself. To do this, perform the opposite of what is being done to the equation, to both sides.

First, subtract 3.90 from both sides, since it is being added on

37.50-3.90=1.60m+3.90-3.90

33.60=1.60m

Divide both sides by 1.60, since it is being multiplied

33.60/1.60=1.60m/1.60

21=m

So, the passenger traveled 21 miles