Answer:
$210
Step-by-step explanation:
(January - March) charge last year :
Unit consumed = 2000
Bill = $250
(July - September) charge last year:
Unit consumed = 600 units
Bill = $138
Billing :
Fixed charge + rate per unit ;
Let fixed charge = c ; rate per unit = m
Billing can be represented by the equation :
mx + c = y
x = unit consumed ; y = total charge
Expensive quarter:
2000x + c = 250 - - - (1)
Least expensive quarter:
600x + c = 138 - - - (2)
From (2)
c = 138 - 600x ; plug into (1)
2000x + 138 - 600x = 250
1400x = 250 - 138
1400x = 112
x = 0.08
0.08 = x = rate per unit
From ; c = 138 - 600x
c = 138 - 600(0.08)
c = 90
Fixed charge = 90
Billing equation :
y = 0.08x + 90
If insulation will reduce unit consumption by 25%
Then, consumption in most expensive quarter will be :
(100 - 25)% * 2000
0.75 * 2000 = 1500 units
Charge will be :
(0.08*1500) + 90
= $210