Question

the average car in america is driven about 13,000 miles per year. which equation could be used to determine the total number of miles, y, a car has been driven, based on the age of the car in years, x?
a. $y = 13,000x$

b. $x = 13,000y + 365$

c. $y = 13,000x + 365$

d. $x = 13,000y$

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the relationship

The total miles \( y \) a car is driven depends on the number of years \( x \) and the miles per year (13,000). So total miles = miles per year × number of years.

Step2: Form the equation

Given miles per year is 13,000 and number of years is \( x \), the equation should be \( y = 13000x \). Let's check other options:

• Option B: \( x = 13000y + 365 \) incorrectly relates years and miles with an extra 365 (days in a year, not relevant here).
• Option C: \( y = 13000x + 365 \) adds 365 unnecessarily as there's no daily addition to total miles based on years.
• Option D: \( x = 13000y \) swaps the relationship (years = miles × 13000, which is wrong).

Answer:

A. \( y = 13,000x \)