This week, Michael collected $468 for delivering newspapers. He had 40 repeat customers and 18 new ones. As an incentive, he charged the new subscribers $3 less than the repeat customers.

Question

If x represents the amount Michael collects from each repeat customer, which equation models this problem?

What is the fee Michael charges each new subscriber?

Answer 1

The equation that models this problem is:

40x (amount from repeat customers) + 18(x-3) (amount from new subscribers) = $468

To find the fee Michael charges each new subscriber, we can set up the equation:

x - 3 = fee charged to new subscribers

Solving for x in the first equation and substituting into the second equation:

40x + 18(x-3) = $468
40x + 18x - 54 = $468
58x - 54 = $468
58x = $522
x = $9

Therefore, Michael charges each new subscriber $9 - $3 = $6.