Let's go through the solution step-by-step to address each part of the question.
1. Determine the hourly rates for each mechanic:
- Mechanic A: [tex]$276.25 for 3.25 hours
- Hourly rate = \( \frac{276.25}{3.25} = 85 \) dollars per hour
- Mechanic B: $[/tex]285 for 3 hours
- Hourly rate = [tex]\( \frac{285}{3} = 95 \)[/tex] dollars per hour
- Mechanic C: [tex]$304.50 for 3.5 hours
- Hourly rate = \( \frac{304.50}{3.5} = 87 \) dollars per hour
- Mechanic D: $[/tex]405 for 4.5 hours
- Hourly rate = [tex]\( \frac{405}{4.5} = 90 \)[/tex] dollars per hour
2. Identify which mechanic has the lowest hourly rate:
- After calculating the hourly rates, we see that Mechanic A has the lowest rate of [tex]$85 per hour.
3. Calculate the cost for an average repair of 3 hours with the lowest rate:
- Cost of repair = \( 3 \text{ hours} \times 85 \text{ dollars per hour} = 255 \) dollars
Using this information, we can complete the statements as follows:
- Based on the data in the table, Mikayla should return to Mechanic A for her next repairs.
- This mechanic charges $[/tex]85 per hour of labor.
- If an average repair takes 3 hours, Mikayla would pay this mechanic $255 for these repairs.
