Question

A hotel charges $20 for the use of its dining room plus $2.50 for each lunch. An association is using the hotel for a meeting and charges its members $3 per person to attend. Four non-paying members are invited as honorees. How many paying members must attend in order for the association to meet its expenses?

Answer 1

If there are p paying members, their fees ($3 each) must cover the costs (including the 4 meals for the guests):

3p = 20 + 2.5p + 4*2.5
p = 60

Answer 2

20+2.50(x+4)=3x
If you solve for x you get 60