GMAT Focus EditionQuantitative ReasoningEasy
A car rental company charges a flat fee of $50 plus $0.25 per mile driven. If a customer's total bill was $125, how many miles did the customer drive?
- A200 miles
- B350 miles
- C250 miles
- D300 miles
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 300 miles
Let M be the number of miles driven. The total cost is given by the equation: Total Cost = Flat Fee + (Cost per mile * Number of miles). So, $125 = $50 + ($0.25 * M). Subtracting $50 from both sides gives $75 = $0.25 * M. Dividing by $0.25 gives M = $75 / $0.25 = 300 miles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This would mean 0.25 * 200 = 50, so total 100, not 125.
- B. This would mean 0.25 * 350 = 87.5, so total 137.5, not 125.
- C. This would mean 0.25 * 250 = 62.5, so total 112.5, not 125.
Linear Equations (Word Problems)
Linear equations are algebraic equations where each term is either a constant or the product of a constant and a single variable (e.g., ax + b = c). Word problems require translating real-world scenarios into these equations.
- Involve a constant rate of change.
- Often represent total cost, distance, or production.
- Steps include defining variables, setting up the equation, and solving.
Memory trick: Variables Create Equations, Solutions Emerge.