Mary’s yard is a mess. She needs to hire someone to prune her trees and shrubs. A landscaping service she calls quotes her a price of $15 consultation fee plus $8 an hour for the actual work. Mary’s neighbor has offered to help her out. She doesn’t charge a consultation fee, but does charge $10 an hour for her work. Who do you think Mary should hire for a 3-hour job and why?
Answer
A
Mary should hire the landscaping service; 3 hours of labor would cost $23, while the neighbor would charge $30.
B
Mary should hire the landscaping service; 3 hours of labor would cost $30, while the neighbor would charge $39.
C
Mary should hire her neighbor; 3 hours of labor would cost $39, while the landscaping service would charge $30.
D
Mary should hire her neighbor; 3 hours of labor would cost $30, while the landscaping service would charge $39.
Explanation
For the landscaping service, add the $15 consultation fee to 3 hours at $8 per hour: $15 + (3 × $8) = $39. The neighbor charges 3 × $10 = $30, with no consultation fee. Mary should hire her neighbor because the job would cost $30 instead of $39.
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