To create an equation that models the situation, we can use the following variables:
- Let \( x \) represent the number of students and teachers attending the play.
- Let \( y \) represent the total cost of the event.
The total cost consists of the initial cost of bus rental and the total cost of the tickets for the students and teachers attending. The equation can be expressed as:
\[ y = 500 + 20x \]
Next, we need to find the total cost for the event if 60 students and teachers plan to attend. We substitute \( x = 60 \) into the equation:
\[ y = 500 + 20(60) \] \[ y = 500 + 1200 \] \[ y = 1700 \]
Therefore, the total cost for the event is $1700.