Algebra word problem - please help!?

Question

I have an algebra packet which requires completing, and I don't remember what it's called/how to do it. I'd appreciate it if anyone could help me on this one, to refresh my memory. ;_;

A parking garage charges $1.50 for the first hour and $0.75 per hour for each additional hour or part of an hour. How many dollars will it cost Bill to park in the garage for 5 1/2 hours?

Can someone please show step by step/explain how to solve this? I'd greatly appreciate it.. thanks bunches(:

Answer 1

1.50 for the first how

0.75 for additional hours

let x = how many additional hours

1.50 + 0.75x = ?

for x plug in 4.5 hours (remember not to count the first hour because it is charged at a the 1.50 rate)

1.50 + 0.75(4.5)

1.50 + 3.38

$4.88

Answer 2

Let n= number of hours

1.5+0.75n

n= 5 1/2 or 5.5

1.5+0.75(5.5)= $5.63

Answer 3

The first hour Bill is there will cost him $1.50.  The rest of the time (5.5 hours - 1 hour) will cost him $0.75 per hour.  Take the remaining 4.5 hours times the rate to get the total for the remaining time (4.5*.75=$3.375, which rounds up to $3.38)

$1.50 + $3.38=$4.88

_/