A cell phone carrier charges a fixed monthly fee plus a constant rate for each minute used. Part 1. In January, the total cost for 175 minutes was \( \$ 48.5 \) while in February, the total cost for 325 minutes was \( \$ 51.5 \). The constant charge for each minute used is: 0.04 0.03 0.02

To find the constant charge for each minute used, we can set up a system of equations based on the information provided. Let \( F \) be the fixed monthly fee, and \( r \) be the charge per minute. From the information: 1. For January: \( F + 175r = 48.5 \) 2. For February: \( F + 325r = 51.5 \) Subtracting the first equation from the second gives us: \[ (325r - 175r) = (51.5 - 48.5) \implies 150r = 3 \implies r = \frac{3}{150} = 0.02 \] Therefore, the constant charge for each minute used is \( 0.02 \) dollars. Now, if you're thinking about the back-and-forth with cell phone bills, it's important to read the fine print. Many plans have added fees for excess data or services that can unexpectedly inflate your bill, even beyond the fixed and per-minute costs. Stay informed about your plan's specifics, and who knows—you might unlock a better deal without needing to switch carriers! Also, if you're curious about telecom trends, considering how prices have evolved over time is fascinating. In the early 2000s, unlimited plans were rare, and even the idea of data limits was almost unheard of. Now, competition has driven prices down while increasing data limits. Jump into some historical research, and you might just marvel at how rapidly technology and pricing structures have shifted!