Under her cell phone plan, Nora pays a flat cost of \( \$ 35.50 \) per month and \( \$ 5 \) per gigabyte. She wants to keep her bill at \( \$ 42 \) per month. Write and solve an equation which can be used to determine \( g \), the number of gigabytes of data Nora can use while staying within he budget.

To find out how many gigabytes (\( g \)) Nora can use while keeping her bill at \( \$ 42 \), we can set up the following equation based on her cell phone plan: \[ 35.50 + 5g = 42 \] Next, we will solve for \( g \): 1. Subtract \( 35.50 \) from both sides: \[ 5g = 42 - 35.50 \] \[ 5g = 6.50 \] 2. Divide both sides by \( 5 \): \[ g = \frac{6.50}{5} = 1.30 \] Since Nora can’t use a fraction of a gigabyte in a billing context, she can use \( 1 \) gigabyte of data while staying within her budget of \( \$ 42 \). Nora's cell phone plan reveals the fascinating dynamics of modern communications and how costs can be tightly controlled. By understanding the fixed and variable costs involved, users like Nora can make informed decisions – balancing their data use with budgeting needs. In the real world, many consumers face similar situations with cell phone plans. It’s essential to analyze these costs before signing a contract or making changes. Engaging in a bit of simple math like Nora can help avoid unexpected bills, ensuring you stay on budget while enjoying your connections.