1. The graph shows a handyman's fees, f(x), in terms of the hours worked, x. The fees include a fuel charge and an hourly rate. What is the handyman's hourly rate?
Answer: D
The handyman's hourly rate is $25.
The handyman charges an hourly rate of $25, which is reflected in the graph of his fees, f(x), as the slope of the line representing the fees increases with each additional hour worked.
A) $5
Option A is incorrect as $5 does not align with the fee structure indicated by the graph. If the hourly rate were $5, the total fees for a reasonable number of hours worked would be significantly lower than depicted on the graph.
B) $55
Option B is also incorrect because an hourly rate of $55 would result in fees that are disproportionately high compared to what is shown in the graph. The graph indicates a more moderate increase in fees, which does not support this higher rate.
C) $30
Option C is incorrect since an hourly rate of $30 would lead to total fees that still do not match the increments observed in the graph. The line representing the fees does not reflect a consistent $30 per hour rate over the hours worked.
D) $25
Option D is correct as the hourly rate of $25 is consistent with the graph's representation of fees. The fees increase linearly with time, indicating that $25 is the correct rate per hour worked.
Conclusion
The correct answer is $25, as it accurately reflects the handyman's hourly rate based on the graph's linear representation of fees. Options A, B, and C do not align with the graph's data and therefore fail to represent the handyman's actual hourly charge. Thus, only Option D stands as the correct interpretation of the information provided.