After visiting Florida State University during spring break, Francisco rents a car for 2 days

After visiting Florida State University during spring break, Francisco rents a car for 2 days to travel around Florida. He has $255 to spend on car rental for the 2 days. Sea Horse Car Rental charges $50 per day and $0.25 per mile. Ocean Blue Car Rental charges $60 per day and $0.20 per mile. Which company, if either, allows him to travel more miles for the 2 days, and how many miles more? (Note: Taxes are already included in the rental charges.)

1. Sea Horse, 20
2. Ocean Blue, 55
3. Ocean Blue, 100
4. Sea Horse, 135
5. Francisco would get the same maximum number of miles from each company.

Answer

The correct answer is B.

The cost of renting a car from Sea Horse for 2 days is 2(50) + 0.25m where m is the number of miles driven.

Because Francisco has $255 to spend, the maximum number of miles he can drive if he rents from Sea Horse is the solution to the equation 100 + 0.25m = 255, or m = 620.

Similarly, the maximum number of miles Francisco can drive if he rents from Ocean Blue is the solution to 2(60) + 0.20m = 255, or m = 675.

If Francisco rents from Ocean Blue, he can travel 55 miles more than if he rents from Sea Horse.