The function below shows the cost for Mrs. Franklin to go to a buffet with c of her grandchildren:

f(c) = 6.85 + 2.95c

a. What is the y-intercept, and what does it mean?

b. What is the slope, and what does it mean?

c. If Mrs. Franklin paid $18.65 for the buffet, how many of her grandchildren did she take to the buffet?

1 answer

To analyze the function \( f(c) = 6.85 + 2.95c \):

a. Y-Intercept

The y-intercept of a function in the form \( f(c) = mx + b \) is the value of \( f(c) \) when \( c = 0 \).

In this case, the y-intercept is:

\[ f(0) = 6.85 + 2.95(0) = 6.85 \]

Meaning: The y-intercept represents the base cost for Mrs. Franklin to go to the buffet without taking any grandchildren. This cost of $6.85 could be interpreted as a fixed charge or entry fee for one person (Mrs. Franklin herself).

b. Slope

The slope of the function is the coefficient of \( c \), which in this case is \( 2.95 \).

Meaning: The slope represents the additional cost incurred for each grandchild that Mrs. Franklin takes to the buffet. Specifically, $2.95 is the cost per grandchild.

c. Determine the number of grandchildren

If Mrs. Franklin paid $18.65 for the buffet, we need to find \( c \) such that:

\[ f(c) = 18.65 \]

Substituting \( f(c) = 6.85 + 2.95c \) into the equation, we have:

\[ 6.85 + 2.95c = 18.65 \]

To solve for \( c \), we first subtract \( 6.85 \) from both sides:

\[ 2.95c = 18.65 - 6.85 \] \[ 2.95c = 11.80 \]

Next, divide both sides by \( 2.95 \):

\[ c = \frac{11.80}{2.95} \approx 4 \]

Conclusion: Mrs. Franklin took approximately 4 of her grandchildren to the buffet.