In Chicago a taxi ride cost $3.25 plus $1.80 for each mile traveled. Debbie has budgeted $19 for a taxi ride (excluding tip) how far can she travel on her $19 budget?

Write an equation based on the problem

3.25 is fixed cost, and 1.80 is variable cost, so the equation will be

3.25 + 1.80x = 19.00

x represents the distance she can travel

Solve the equation

3.25 + 1.80x = 19.00

1.80x = 19.00 - 3.25

1.80x = 15.75

x = 15.75/1.80

x = 8.75

She can travel 8.75 miles for the taxi ride