To represent Colin's total cost for babysitting algebraically, we can use a linear equation of the form:
\[ C = mx + b \]
where:
- \( C \) is the total cost,
- \( m \) is the hourly fee (slope),
- \( x \) is the number of hours babysat,
- \( b \) is the flat fee (y-intercept).
From the points marked on the graph, we have:
- The point (3, 20) indicates that after 3 hours, the total cost is $20.
- The point (0, 8) suggests that when no hours are worked, the cost is a flat fee of $8.
Given that when \( x = 0 \), \( C = 8 \), we know that \( b = 8 \).
Now to find the slope \( m \): Using the two points (0, 8) and (3, 20):
- The change in cost (\( \Delta C \)) is \( 20 - 8 = 12 \).
- The change in hours (\( \Delta x \)) is \( 3 - 0 = 3 \).
Thus, the slope \( m \) is: \[ m = \frac{\Delta C}{\Delta x} = \frac{12}{3} = 4 \]
Now we can write the equation: \[ C = 4x + 8 \]
This equation represents Colin's total cost for babysitting, where he charges a flat fee of $8 plus an hourly fee of $4 per hour.