A taxi service charges a first drop, plus a charge for the number of miles traveled during a ride. Two recent rides were charged as follows: an 8-mile ride was $30.50, and a
The 12-mile ride was $44.50.
(a) Find the slope of the linear function that gives the charges y for a ride that is x miles long.

(b) Determine the amount charged as the first drop (this is the reading of the meter at the start of a ride.

(c) Write down the equation for the linear function that gives the charges y for a ride that is x miles long.

(d) What is the cost of a 9-mile ride?

(e) What was the distance traveled during a ride that cost $20?