Answer :
Let's delve into the meaning of the constant 2.50 in the equation [tex]\( P = 1.80 \lceil x \rceil + 2.50 \)[/tex].
In this context, [tex]\(P\)[/tex] represents the total price of the taxi ride, and [tex]\( x \)[/tex] represents the number of miles or partial miles traveled.
The constant [tex]$2.50 represents the initial base fare that Jeremiah needs to pay just for the taxi to pick him up. This charge is incurred irrespective of the distance traveled. It is a fixed starting fee before any consideration of the distance. Therefore, the correct explanation is: "$[/tex]2.50 is the base amount that Jeremiah must pay in order for the taxi to pick him up before he has been driven anywhere."
This means Jeremiah will have to pay [tex]$2.50 as soon as he gets into the taxi, even if he travels zero miles. Additional charges will be calculated based on the distance traveled, with \( \lceil x \rceil \) representing the ceiling function that rounds \( x \) up to the nearest whole mile, and multiplying it by $[/tex]1.80.
In this context, [tex]\(P\)[/tex] represents the total price of the taxi ride, and [tex]\( x \)[/tex] represents the number of miles or partial miles traveled.
The constant [tex]$2.50 represents the initial base fare that Jeremiah needs to pay just for the taxi to pick him up. This charge is incurred irrespective of the distance traveled. It is a fixed starting fee before any consideration of the distance. Therefore, the correct explanation is: "$[/tex]2.50 is the base amount that Jeremiah must pay in order for the taxi to pick him up before he has been driven anywhere."
This means Jeremiah will have to pay [tex]$2.50 as soon as he gets into the taxi, even if he travels zero miles. Additional charges will be calculated based on the distance traveled, with \( \lceil x \rceil \) representing the ceiling function that rounds \( x \) up to the nearest whole mile, and multiplying it by $[/tex]1.80.