The cost of renting a moving van for a 26 mile trip is $62.50. the cost of renting the same van for a 38 mile trip is $65.50 The cost changes at a constant rate with the respect to length (in miles) of the trip. Find the total cost of renting the van for a 54 mile trip.

The difference between the 26 mile trip and 38 mile trip is 12 miles.

The difference in the price is $3.00 ($65.50 - $62.50)

So those 12 miles cost $3.00 $3.00:12 = $.25 per mile

We can use either given trip to solve. I will use the 38 mile trip.

The difference between 38 miles and 54 miles is 16 miles. At $.25 a mile those 16 miles will add $4.00 to the price. ($.25 x 16 = $4.00)

Since the 38 mile trip costs $65.50 we add $4.00 and get $69.50 for a 54 mile trip.