To find the cost \( c \) when traveling 4.5 miles, we can use the given linear function:
\[ c = 0.75m + 4 \]
Substituting \( m = 4.5 \):
\[ c = 0.75(4.5) + 4 \]
Calculating \( 0.75 \times 4.5 \):
\[ 0.75 \times 4.5 = 3.375 \]
Now, add this to 4:
\[ c = 3.375 + 4 = 7.375 \]
Rounding to the nearest hundredth gives:
\[ c \approx 7.38 \]
So, if you were to travel 4.5 miles, the corresponding dependent variable (the cost) would be approximately $7.38.
To graph the equation \( c = 0.75m + 4 \), you would plot points for different distances \( m \) and their corresponding costs \( c \). For example:
- At \( m = 0 \): \( c = 4 \) (the starting fee)
- At \( m = 1 \): \( c = 4.75 \)
- At \( m = 2 \): \( c = 5.5 \)
- At \( m = 3 \): \( c = 6.25 \)
- At \( m = 4 \): \( c = 7 \)
- At \( m = 4.5 \): \( c = 7.38 \)
- At \( m = 5 \): \( c = 8 \)
You would then draw a straight line through these points, illustrating how the cost increases linearly with distance.