Aiko and Kendra arrive at the Texas State Fair with $60. What is the total
number of rides they can go on if
they each pay the entrance fee of
$17 and rides cost $3 each?

They can go on 14 rides the maximum.

Step-by-step explanation:

First, you have to set up the equation. Basically, Aiko and Kendra only carry $60 with them. They cannot go over that limit. Furthermore, the entrance free is $17. Each ride is $3.

(x = the amount of rides)

17 + 3x ≤ 60

17 represents the entrance fee which only has to be paid one time. 3x represents the cost of each ride (x equals to the amount of rides).

Now you solve.

Isolate the variable, which is 3x.

3x ≤ 60 - 17

3x ≤ 43

Now, divide 43 by 3 to find the value of x.

x ≤ 43 ÷ 3

x ≤ 14.3333333333

They can go on a max of 14 rides. Anymore, and they will go over budget. Normally, with problems like this one, if you have a decimal, you should round down unless your instructor says otherwise.

After all, who would you be able to go on a third of a ride? It isn't possible, so generally, they just have you round down.