What are the possible steps involved in solving the equation shown? Select three options.

The tuition costs, C, for a local community college are modeled by C(h) = 250 + 200h, where h represents the number of credit hours taken. The local state university has tuition costs, S, modeled by the function S(h) = 300 + 180h.

How many credit hours will a student have to take for the two tuition costs to be equal? Round the answer to the nearest tenth of an hour.

1. 250 + 200h = 300 + 180h
2. 250 + 200h = 300 + 180h
− 180h − 180h
3. 250 + 20h = 300
h = ________ credit hours

1 answer

1. Set the two equations equal to each other: 250 + 200h = 300 + 180h
2. Solve for h by moving all terms with h to one side and constants to the other side: 250 + 200h - 180h = 300
3. Simplify: 250 + 20h = 300
4. Solve for h: h = 50 / 20
5. h = 2.5 credit hours

So, a student will have to take 2.5 credit hours for the two tuition costs to be equal.