To represent Colin's babysitting cost algebraically, we can use a linear equation. In this situation, let's denote:
- \( y \) as the total cost (in dollars)
- \( x \) as the number of hours babysat
From the structure of the problem, the equation can be represented in the form:
\[ y = mx + b \]
where:
- \( m \) is the hourly rate (the slope of the line),
- \( b \) is the flat fee (the y-intercept of the line).
Based on the graph (which we can't see), you would identify the values of \( b \) (the cost when \( x = 0 \)) and the slope \( m \) (the increase in cost per hour).
For example, if the flat fee \( b \) is $10 and the hourly rate \( m \) is $5 per hour, the equation would be:
\[ y = 5x + 10 \]
Please provide the specific values from the graph (the flat fee and the hourly rate) to complete the equation.