To solve the questions based on the equation \( y = -1.24x + 97.40 \), where \( y \) represents the predicted heating cost and \( x \) represents the average temperature, we can substitute the values for \( x \) to find \( y \).
a) Predicted heating cost for a month with an average temperature of 0:
Substituting \( x = 0 \) into the equation:
\[ y = -1.24(0) + 97.40 = 97.40 \]
The predicted heating cost for a month with an average temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit is $97.40.
b) Predicted heating cost for a month with an average temperature of 25:
Substituting \( x = 25 \) into the equation:
\[ y = -1.24(25) + 97.40 \]
Calculating further:
\[ y = -31 + 97.40 = 66.40 \]
The predicted heating cost for a month with an average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit is $66.40.
c) For an increase of one degree Fahrenheit, what is the predicted decrease in the monthly heating cost?
From the equation \( y = -1.24x + 97.40 \), the coefficient of \( x \) is \(-1.24\). This means that for each increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit in temperature (\( x \)), the heating cost (\( y \)) decreases by 1.24.
The predicted decrease in the monthly heating cost for an increase of one degree Fahrenheit is $1.24.