Math Problem Statement

Lauren needed to get her computer fixed. She took it to the repair store. The technician at the store worked on the computer for 3.75 hours and charged her $119 for parts. The total was $400.25. Write and solve an equation which can be used to determine xx, the cost of the labor per hour.

Solution

We can set up an equation to represent the total cost Lauren paid.

The total cost is made up of:

  • The cost for labor (charged per hour),
  • The cost for parts.

The technician worked for 3.75 hours and charged a certain amount xx per hour for labor. Additionally, Lauren was charged $119 for the parts.

The total cost was $400.25, so we can set up the equation:

3.75x+119=400.253.75x + 119 = 400.25

Solving for xx (the cost of labor per hour):

  1. Subtract $119 from both sides: 3.75x=400.251193.75x = 400.25 - 119 3.75x=281.253.75x = 281.25

  2. Divide both sides by 3.75: x=281.253.75x = \frac{281.25}{3.75} x=75x = 75

So, the cost of labor per hour is $75.

Would you like more details on this solution or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What would the total cost be if the labor rate was $80 per hour instead?
  2. How would the equation change if the technician worked 4 hours instead of 3.75?
  3. If Lauren's budget was $350, what should the maximum labor cost per hour be?
  4. What would happen to the total cost if the cost of parts increased by 20%?
  5. How long would the technician need to work to make the total $500?

Tip: Always double-check your work by substituting the value of xx back into the original equation!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

3.75x + 119 = 400.25

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8