To determine which company pays the higher hourly rate, we need to calculate the hourly rate for each company's pay structure. The hourly rate can be calculated by dividing the pay by the hours worked.
For Company A:
- For 5.5 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{140.25}{5.5} \approx 25.50 \]
- For 22.0 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{561.00}{22.0} \approx 25.50 \]
- For 35.0 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{892.50}{35.0} \approx 25.50 \]
- For 40.0 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{1020.00}{40.0} = 25.50 \]
So, Company A has an hourly rate of approximately $25.50.
For Company B:
- For 4.0 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{114.00}{4.0} = 28.50 \]
- For 10.6 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{302.10}{10.6} \approx 28.50 \]
- For 20.5 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{584.25}{20.5} \approx 28.50 \]
- For 35.0 hours: \[ \text{Hourly rate} = \frac{997.50}{35.0} = 28.50 \]
So, Company B has an hourly rate of $28.50.
Comparison:
- Company A: $25.50/hour
- Company B: $28.50/hour
Therefore, Company B has the best hourly rate of $28.50/hour.
The correct response is: Company B has the best hourly rate of $28.50/hour.