Verified Answer :
- Identify the cost functions: member cost \(y = \frac{1}{10}x + 60\) and nonmember cost \(y = \frac{1}{5}x\).
- Compare slopes: the nonmember's slope (\(0.2\)) is steeper than the member's (\(0.1\)), indicating a higher variable cost per token.
- Find the intersection: both lines cross at \((600, 120)\), representing the break-even point where costs are equal.
- Visual description: The nonmember's graph starts at the origin \((0,0)\) and is steeper, while the member's starts at \((0,60)\), meaning nonmembers pay less for fewer than 600 tokens and more for more than 600 tokens.
- Final answer: The nonmember's graph is steeper and starts at the origin, intersecting the member's graph at \(\boxed{(600, 120)}\).
Explanation
- Analyzing the cost functions
The arcade costs are given by two linear functions representing yearly expenses in terms of the number of tokens \(x\) purchased:
- Member's cost function: \(y_m = \frac{1}{10}x + 60\)
- Nonmember's cost function: \(y_n = \frac{1}{5}x\)
The graph of each function is a line with a slope and a y-intercept. For the member, the slope is \(m_m = \frac{1}{10} = 0.1\) and the y-intercept is \(b_m = 60\). For the nonmember, the slope is \(m_n = \frac{1}{5} = 0.2\) and the y-intercept is \(b_n = 0\).
- Comparing the graphs and finding the intersection
To compare the graphs, we look at their slopes and intercepts:
- The nonmember's slope (\(0.2\)) is greater than the member's slope (\(0.1\)), which means the nonmember's graph is steeper, reflecting a higher cost per token.
- The nonmember's y-intercept (\(0\)) is lower than the member's y-intercept (\(60\)), meaning that for a small number of tokens, the nonmember pays less initially.
- The two lines intersect where \(y_m = y_n\). Setting \(\frac{1}{10}x + 60 = \frac{1}{5}x\), we solve for \(x\):
\(\frac{1}{5}x - \frac{1}{10}x = 60\)
\(\frac{1}{10}x = 60\)
\(x = 600\)
At \(x = 600\), both costs are \(y = \frac{1}{5}(600) = 120\). This point is the break-even point.
- Describing the visual difference
The graph of the nonmember's cost starts at the origin \((0,0)\), whereas the member's graph starts at \((0,60)\) on the y-axis. Because the nonmember's graph has a steeper slope, it starts lower but rises more quickly, intersecting the member's line at \((600, 120)\). For any number of tokens \(x < 600\), the nonmember's cost is lower; for \(x > 600\), the nonmember's cost is higher than the member's.
Examples
In everyday life, this comparison is common when choosing between subscription-based services and pay-as-you-go models. For example, a gym might offer a membership with a monthly fee but lower usage rates, compared to a pay-per-visit rate. By graphing both cost functions, you can easily determine at what level of usage (the "break-even point") it becomes more economical to commit to a membership. This approach helps in making informed financial decisions regarding recurring service costs.