To create the system of linear equations that describes the total cost, [tex]\( y \)[/tex], to cater a dinner party for [tex]\( x \)[/tex] employees, we need to consider the initial payment and the rate per employee for each catering company.
For Fantastic Catering:
- The initial payment is [tex]$135.
- The rate per employee is $[/tex]12.
The total cost equation for Fantastic Catering can be represented by the linear equation in slope-intercept form:
[tex]\[ y = 12x + 135 \][/tex]
For Devoted Catering:
- The initial payment is [tex]$0.
- The rate per employee is $[/tex]15.
The total cost equation for Devoted Catering can be represented by the linear equation in slope-intercept form:
[tex]\[ y = 15x \][/tex]
Thus, the system of linear equations is:
[tex]\[ y = 12x + 135 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ y = 15x \][/tex]