Problema Solution

A real estate office handles an apartment complex with 50 units. When the rent is $600 per month, all 50 units are occupied. However, when the rent is $645, the average number of occupied units drops to 47. Assume that the relationship between the monthly rent p and the demand x is linear. Predict the number of units occupied if the rent is raised to $660.

Answer provided by our tutors

for p = $600 the demand x = 50 units


for p = $645 the demand x = 47 units


we need to find x if p = $660


the relationship between the monthly rent p and the demand x is linear means:


x = ap + b, where a and b are constants


plug p = 600, x = 50 and we have 50 = 600a + b


plug p = 645, x = 47 and we have 47 = 645a + b


by solving the system of equations:


600a + b = 50

645a + b = 47


we find


a = -1/15


b = 90


click here to see the step by step solution of the system of equations:


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x = (-1/15)p + 90


if the rent is p = $660 we find for x:


x = (-1/15)*660 + 90


x = 46 units


if the rent is $660 the number of occupied units will be 46.