HSA 2008 Algebra/Data Analysis Item 14

Jared wants to rent a carpet cleaner. The table below shows the cost of renting a carpet cleaner.

Complete the following in the Answer Book:

• Complete the table to show the cost of renting a carpet cleaner for 5 and 6 hours if this pattern continues.
• Write an equation to represent the relationship between the cost of renting a carpet cleaner and the number of hours that a carpet cleaner is rented.
• If Jared has $60, can he rent the carpet cleaner for 9 hours? Use mathematics to explain how you determined your answer. Use words, symbols, or both in your explanation.
• The store also sells the same carpet cleaner for $165, including tax. What is the maximum number of hours that the cost of renting the carpet cleaner is less than the cost of buying the carpet cleaner? Use mathematics to justify your answer.