Math Problem Statement

A​ company's charge for electricity is 8.230​¢ per​ kilowatt-hour. In​ addition, each monthly bill contains a customer charge of ​$6.37. If last​ year's bills ranged from a low of ​$55.97 to a high of ​$201.64​, over what range did usage vary​ (in kilowatt-hours)?

Solution

We are given the following:

  • The electricity rate is 8.230¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is 0.082300.08230 dollars per kWh.
  • There is a fixed monthly customer charge of 6.376.37 dollars.
  • The bills range from a low of 55.9755.97 dollars to a high of 201.64201.64 dollars.

We need to find the range of usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Step 1: Setup the formula for the monthly bill

The total bill BB is the sum of the fixed customer charge and the charge based on the number of kilowatt-hours xx used: B=6.37+0.08230xB = 6.37 + 0.08230x

Step 2: Find usage at the low end of the bill range

For the low bill B=55.97B = 55.97, we can use the equation: 55.97=6.37+0.08230x55.97 = 6.37 + 0.08230x

Solve for xx (kilowatt-hours used): 55.976.37=0.08230x55.97 - 6.37 = 0.08230x 49.60=0.08230x49.60 = 0.08230x x=49.600.08230602.19kWhx = \frac{49.60}{0.08230} \approx 602.19 \, \text{kWh}

Step 3: Find usage at the high end of the bill range

For the high bill B=201.64B = 201.64, we use the same equation: 201.64=6.37+0.08230x201.64 = 6.37 + 0.08230x Solve for xx: 201.646.37=0.08230x201.64 - 6.37 = 0.08230x 195.27=0.08230x195.27 = 0.08230x x=195.270.082302372.55kWhx = \frac{195.27}{0.08230} \approx 2372.55 \, \text{kWh}

Step 4: Conclusion

The usage ranged from approximately 602.19kWh602.19 \, \text{kWh} to 2372.55kWh2372.55 \, \text{kWh}.


Do you want more details or have any other questions?

Here are 5 relative questions for you:

  1. How do varying rates affect overall electricity consumption?
  2. What are the advantages of a fixed customer charge?
  3. How can you estimate your average electricity usage based on your bill?
  4. How does the cost of electricity compare between different seasons?
  5. How would the bill change if the rate per kilowatt-hour increased?

Tip: Tracking your monthly energy consumption can help identify patterns that can reduce your overall bill.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Unit Rates
Basic Algebra

Formulas

B = 6.37 + 0.08230x
x = (B - 6.37) / 0.08230

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10