To create an equation that represents the cost to play, C, based on the number of hours played, h, we can set it up as follows:
- For the first hour (h = 1), the cost is $15.00.
- For each additional hour (h > 1), the cost is $5.00 per hour.
Thus, the equation for C can be defined as:
\[ C = \begin{cases} 15 & \text{if } h = 1 \ 15 + 5(h - 1) & \text{if } h > 1 \end{cases} \]
Now, let's use this equation to calculate the cost for three hours (h = 3):
Since 3 > 1, we use the second part of the equation:
\[ C = 15 + 5(3 - 1) \]
Calculating the values:
\[ C = 15 + 5(2) \] \[ C = 15 + 10 \] \[ C = 25 \]
Therefore, the total cost to play for three hours is $25.00.