PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 325: Answer and Explanation

Question: 325

A cybercafe is a place that provides Internet access to the public, usually for a fee, along with snacks and drinks. Suppose a cybercafe charges a base rate of $25 to join for a year, an additional $0.30 per visit for the first 50 visits, and $0.10 for every visit after that. How much does the cybercafe charge for a year in which 72 visits are made?

• A. $32.20
• B. $36.60
• C. $42.20
• D. $46.60

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Difficulty: Easy

Category: Word Problems

Getting to the Answer: When a question involves several rates, break the situation into separate, manageable pieces and deal with each in turn. Visitors must pay the cyber cafe a flat $25 fee to join regardless of the number of visits. The first 50 visits cost $0.30 each, or 50($0.30) = $15. The remaining 72 - 50 = 22 visits cost $0.10 each, or 22($0.10) = $2.20. The total cost for 72 visits is therefore $25.00 + $15.00 + $2.20 = $42.20, which is (C).