Answer :
Final answer:
Solving the equation for the cost per page, Michelle can afford editing services that cost up to $2.00 per page within her budget of $161.50, when applying a 5% discount.
Explanation:
Michelle has an 85-page manuscript and the equation related to the total cost of editing, T, with a 5% discount based on the cost per page, c, is stated as:
85c − 0.05(85c) = T
To find the best quality of editing within her budget of $161.50, we first simplify the equation by distributing the 5% discount over the cost:
85c − (0.05 × 85c) = T
85c − 4.25c = T
80.75c = T
Now, solving for c when T is $161.50:
80.75c = 161.50
c = 161.50 / 80.75
c = $2.00
Michelle can afford editing that costs up to $2.00 per page when considering the 5% discount on the $161.50 she has for the service.
