Chapter 4 summary

Linear algebra 4A
​ Solving equations
Applying inverse operations to find the solution (or value) of
a pronumeral.
​2𝑥 + 5 = 23​
​
2𝑥 = 18​
​
𝑥 = 9​
Transposing involves applying inverse operations to rearrange
an equation to make another pronumeral the subject.
​2l + 2w = P​
2w = P − 2l​
​
P − 2l
w = ​________
​
2

Linear functions 4B
Linear and non-linear functions

Function Description Examples Graph shape

Linear A function where each ​𝑦 = a + b𝑥​ A straight line
variable has a power of ​a𝑥 + b𝑦 = c​ 𝑦𝑦
either zero or one.
​𝑦 = a​
​𝑥 = c​

𝑥𝑥
Non-linear A function where either ​𝑦 = ​𝑥​2​ A curved line
variable has a power other ​a = 𝑥𝑦​ 𝑦𝑦
than zero or one.
​𝑦 = ​a​𝑥​
​​𝑦 = ​log​10​(𝑥)​​​

𝑥𝑥

Graphs
The graph of a linear function is a straight line. Graphs have 𝑦𝑦
three features: 𝑦𝑦-intercept
9
• Gradient – the steepness of a line, b rise ​​
​ = ​_____
run 8 gradient
• ​𝑥​-intercept – the point on the line where it crosses 7 rise 𝑦𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑦1
run = 𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1 b = run = 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥
the ​𝑥​-axis, when 𝑦
​ = 0​ 6 2 1

• ​𝑦​-intercept – the point on the line where it crosses 5

the ​𝑦​-axis, when 𝑥
​ = 0​ rise = y2 − y1
4
​ = a + b𝑥​
When a linear function is expressed in the form 𝑦 3
• a​ ​is the ​𝑦​-intercept 2
• ​b​is the gradient 1
𝑥𝑥-intercept
𝑥𝑥
−1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
−1

VCE General Mathematics Units 1&2 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY 1

Gradients

Positive Negative Zero Undefined

As 𝑥
​ ​increases, 𝑦
​ ​ increases As 𝑥
​ ​increases, 𝑦
​ ​ decreases As 𝑥
​ ​increases, 𝑦
​ ​ stays ​ ​stays the same for all
𝑥
​b > 0​ ​b < 0​ the same values of ​𝑦​
Example:: Example: ​b = 0​ ​b = undefined​
​𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3​ ​𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 3​ Example: Example:

𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦 ​𝑦 = 3​ ​𝑥 = 2​
𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦

𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥

Graphing linear functions 4C

Method Requirements and steps Example
Two-points Two sets of coordinates 1𝑥
​𝑦 = −​__ ​ −1
method 2
1. Determine the coordinates of
Choose two values of ​𝑥​.
both points from the equation
(if applicable). ​𝑥 = −4​and ​𝑥 = 4​
2. Plot both points on a set of axes. Determine the 𝑦
​ ​ values.
3. Draw a straight line between the −4 ​ − 1 = 1​, so ​(​−4, 1​)
​𝑦 = −​_____
two points. 2
4
__
​𝑦 = −​ ​ − 1 = −3​, so ​(​4, −3​)
2
Plot both points, and draw a straight line.
𝑦𝑦

5
4
3
2
(−4, 1)
1
𝑥𝑥
0
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
1 (4, −3)
−3 𝑦𝑦 = − 𝑥𝑥 − 1
2
−4
−5

Continues →

VCE General Mathematics Units 1&2 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY 2

 Ex. 4A-Linear Algebra – prerequisite knowledge

Learning Understand how to substitute and solve linear equations.

Intention:
Success I can: - Substitute values into linear equations.
Criteria: - Solve linear equations.

Substituting values into linear equations Solving Linear equations

WORKED EXAMPLE 1 WORKED EXAMPLE 2

For the equation 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 1, Consider the equation 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 1,
find the value of 𝑦𝑦 when 𝑥𝑥 = 3. Transpose the equation to make x the subject.

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
5𝑏𝑏+15
Consider the equation 𝑎𝑎 = , transpose the equation to make b the subject.
𝑐𝑐

Method 1: By hand

Method 2: Using CAS

 Ex. 4B-Linear Functions

Learning Understand the linear function 𝑦𝑦 = a + b𝑥𝑥, its graph, and interpretation of the parameters, a
Intention: and b in terms of initial value and constant rate of change respectively.
Success I can: - identify linear functions and their graphs.
Criteria: - identify features of linear functions and graphs.

Identifying linear functions and their graphs

A linear function is a relationship between two variables where one value changes by a constant amount in
response to the other. Linear functions are generally represented by equations expressed in the form:
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏, where:
• 𝑎𝑎 is the initial value
• 𝑏𝑏 is the constant rate of change
• 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 are variables that can change in value

WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Determine if the following functions are linear or non-linear.
a) 𝑦𝑦 = 1 + 2𝑥𝑥 b) 𝑦𝑦 = 5𝑥𝑥3 – 4 c) 𝑦𝑦 = 5

WORKED EXAMPLE 2
Determine if the following graphs are linear or non-linear.
a) b)

Identifying features of linear functions and graphs

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
For the following graphs:
• identify the gradient type (positive, negative, zero or undefined)
• determine the 𝑥𝑥 and y– intercepts (if possible)
a)
b)

WORKED EXAMPLE 4
For the following equations:
• identify the gradient type (positive, negative, zero or undefined)
• determine the y– intercept
a) 𝑦𝑦 = 9𝑥𝑥 + 8 b) 𝑥𝑥 = 5
 Method Requirements and steps Example
Gradient-intercept Gradient and ​𝑦​-intercept ​𝑦 = −2 + 3𝑥​
method 1. Determine the 𝑦 ​ ​-intercept and The 𝑦
​ ​-intercept is ​(​0, −2​)​​.
gradient from an equation
The gradient is 3.
(if applicable).
2. Plot the ​𝑦​-intercept on a set Plot the ​𝑦​-intercept, use the gradient to plot an additional point
of axes. (3 units up, 1 unit right) and draw a straight line.

3. Plot a second point run-units 𝑦𝑦

to the right and rise-units up 5
(if positive) or down (if negative) 4
Note: If the gradient is a decimal or 3
2 𝑦𝑦 = −2 + 3𝑥𝑥
whole number, the ‘run’ is equal to 1.
1 (1, 1)
𝑥𝑥
0
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−2 (0, −2)
−3
−4
−5

Intercept-intercept ​𝑥​- and ​𝑦​-intercepts ​5𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 10​

method 1. Determine the 𝑥
​ ​- and ​𝑦​-intercepts. Find the 𝑥
​ ​-intercept by substituting ​𝑦 = 0​into the equation.
2. Plot the intercepts on a set of axes. ​5𝑥 + 2​(​0​)​ = 10​​
3. Draw a straight line between the ​
5𝑥 = 10​
two points.
​
𝑥 = 2​
​𝑥​-intercept: ​(​2, 0​)​
Find the 𝑦
​ ​-intercept by substituting ​𝑥 = 0​into the equation.
​5​(​0​)​ + 2𝑦 = 10​​
​
2𝑦 = 10​
​
𝑦 = 5​
​𝑦​-intercept: ​(​0, 5​)​
𝑦𝑦

5 (0, 5)
4
3 5𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦𝑦= 10
2
1
(2, 0)
𝑥𝑥
0
−5 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5

VCE General Mathematics Units 1&2 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY 3

 Ex. 4C- Graphing Linear Functions

Learning Understand how to graph linear relations A𝑥𝑥 + B𝑦𝑦 = C and equivalent forms.
Intention:
I can: - plot linear functions from a table.
Success
- graph linear functions from an equation.
Criteria:
- graph horizontal and vertical lines.

Plotting linear functions from a table

WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Consider 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 1.
a) Create a table for 𝑥𝑥 = – 1, 0, 1, 2 and 3.
METHOD BY HAND

𝒙𝒙
𝒚𝒚

METHOD USING CASIO CLASSPAD

 b) Plot 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 1 using the table of
values from part a).

Graphing linear functions from an equation

WORKED EXAMPLE 2
Graph the following linear functions using the specified method.
a) 𝑦𝑦 = − 12 𝑥𝑥 − 1 [two-points method]

b) 𝑦𝑦 = −2 + 3𝑥𝑥 [gradient-intercept method]

 c) 5𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 = 10 [intercept-intercept method]

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
Use a calculator to graph the linear function y = 2x − 4 .
METHOD USING CASIO CLASSPAD

Graphing horizontal and vertical lines

WORKED EXAMPLE 4
Graph the following lines.
a) 𝑦𝑦 = 2 b) 𝑥𝑥 = -4
Finding the equation of a linear function 4D
Method Requirements and steps Example
Two-points Two sets of coordinates (​ ​3, 21​)​and ​(​8, 11​)​
method 11 − 21 ​
1. Determine the gradient using ​b = ​___________
​𝑦​2​ − ​𝑦​1​ 8−5
b = ​_________
​𝑥​2​ − ​𝑥​1​​​. −10
_______
=
​ ​ ​
5
2. Substitute ​b​and a point into ​= −2​
​​𝑦 − ​𝑦​1​ = b​(𝑥 − ​𝑥​1​)​​and simplify.
​𝑦 − 21 = −2​(​𝑥 − 3​)​
Note: There are other possible methods.
​
𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 6 + 21​
​
= −2𝑥 + 27​
Gradient-intercept Gradient and ​𝑦​-intercept 𝑦𝑦
method 20
​ ​-intercept (​a​) from the
1. Determine 𝑦
graph.
15
2. Choose another point and
determine the gradient from the 10
​𝑦​2​ − ​𝑦​1​
graph using ​b = ​_________
​𝑥​2​ − ​𝑥​1​​​. 5
​ = a + b𝑥​.
3. Substitute into 𝑦
𝑥𝑥
−5 0 5 10 15
−5

​𝑦​-intercept: ​(​0, 15​)​, so a

​ = 15​
Choose another point and determine the gradient, ​b​.
Using ​(​5, 5​)​and ​(​0, 15​)​
​𝑦​2​ − ​𝑦​1​
​b = ​_________
​𝑥​2​ − ​𝑥​1​
5 − 15 ​
​ ​_________
=
5−0
=
​ ​−10
_______​
5
​
= −2​
​𝑦 = 15 − 2𝑥​

Modelling with linear functions 4E

Linear models
For a linear model of the form
​𝑦 = a + b𝑥​:
S
• a​ ​is the initial/fixed/constant value
150
• ​b​is the rate of change
The domain of interpretation is the set of values of ​𝑥​ possible 100
given the context. S = 100 − 5n
Example: 50
The equation ​S = 100 − 5n​models the depth of snow, ​S​,
in centimetres after n
​ ​ days. n
−10 0 10 20 30
• Initial value: 100 cm of snow initially
−50
• Rate of change: 5 cm decrease in snow depth per day
• Domain of interpretation: days cannot be negative, domain of interpretation
and on day 20 the depth of snow is zero. So, ​0 ≤ n ≤ 20​ 0 <_ n <_ 20

VCE General Mathematics Units 1&2 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY 4

 Ex. 4D- Finding the Equation of a Linear Function

Learning Understand the linear function 𝑦𝑦 = a + b𝑥𝑥, its graph, and interpretation of the parameters, a
Intention: and b in terms of initial value and constant rate of change respectively.
Success I can: - find a linear equation from two known points.
Criteria: - find a linear equation from a graph.

Finding a linear equation from two known points

WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Determine the equation of the linear function for each of the given sets of values.
a)
𝒙𝒙 0 1 2 3 4
𝒚𝒚 14 17 20 23 26

b) (3, 21) and (8, 11)

METHOD BY HAND

METHOD USING CASIO CLASSPAD

 WORKED EXAMPLE 2
Using the formula 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦1 = b (𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥1), find the equation of the line that passes through the points (6, 21)
and (15, 57).

Finding a linear equation from a graph

The equation of a linear function can be determined from a graph if two points can be clearly read.
This method can be simplified if one of the points is the 𝑦𝑦 -intercept.

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
Find the equation of each of the following lines.
a)

b)
 Ex. 4E- Linear Modelling

Learning Understand how to formulate and analyse linear models from worded descriptions or relevant
Intention: data and use this to solve practical problems including domain of interpretation.
Success I can: - model practical problems using linear equations.
Criteria: - find the domain of interpretation.

Linear equations are often used to represent real life situations where there is a constant change over a period
of time. The amount of water in a sink when filling it up, the fare of a taxi ride, and the manufacturing costs of
a factory can all be represented by linear equations.

Modelling practical problems using linear equations

WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Hugo’s phone plan provider charges for international calls. The cost of a call can be modelled by the
equation 𝐶𝐶 = 0.55 + 1.06𝑚𝑚, where 𝐶𝐶 is the cost, in dollars, and 𝑚𝑚 is the length of the call, in minutes.
a) How much does the phone plan provider charge b) What is the phone plan provider’s call
for each additional minute of an international connection fee?
call?

WORKED EXAMPLE 2
A balloon initially contains 200 cm3 of air and is filled at a rate of 50 cm3 per second.
a) Construct an equation to describe the amount of air in the balloon, 𝐴𝐴 (cm3), after 𝑡𝑡 seconds.

b) Determine the amount of air in the balloon, 𝐴𝐴 (cm3), after 25 seconds.

Finding the domain of interpretation

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
The manufacturing costs for a fashion label are modelled by the equation 𝐶𝐶 = 1920 + 18.65𝑔𝑔, where 𝐶𝐶
is the cost, in dollars, and 𝑔𝑔 is the number of garments produced. The label has $24 300 to spend on
manufacturing.
a) What is the domain of interpretation?

b) Graph the linear model within the domain of interpretation.

Simultaneous equations 4F
Sets of multiple linear equations with two or more variables.

Method Equations most suited Steps

Graphically Any 1. Graph the equations of both lines on the same set of axes.
2. Determine the coordinates of the point of intersection.
Substitution There is at least one equation 1. Label equations [1] and [2].
with one of the variables as 2. Substitute one equation (which as 𝑥
​ ​or 𝑦
​ ​as the subject) into the other.
the subject.
3. Solve for the unknown.
​𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 3​and ​𝑥 + 𝑦 = 9​
4. Substitute the value from step 3 into either [1] or [2] and solve for the
​𝑥 = 𝑦 − 4​and ​𝑥 = −2𝑦 + 9​ other unknown.
NOTE: Equation [1] and [2] can
Elimination The equations have both 1. Label equations [1] and [2]. also be ADDED to eliminate the chosen
variables on one side of the 2. Choose an unknown to eliminate. unknown (e.g. +y + (-y) = y - y = 0)
equal sign.
3. Multiply one or both equations so that the coefficients of the chosen
​3𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2​and ​4𝑥 − 𝑦 = 1​ variable are equal.
4. Subtract one equation from the other to eliminate the chosen unknown,
and solve for the other unknown.
5. Substitute the value from step 4 into either [1] or [2] and solve for the
other unknown.

Piecewise linear models 4G

Type Description Example
Line segment A graph with segments across 5+𝑥 0<𝑥≤5
{6
graph different domains, where the ​𝑦 = ​ ​20 − 2𝑥 5 < 𝑥 ≤ 7​
variable on the vertical axis 7 < 𝑥 < 10
can change in value. 𝑦𝑦
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 𝑥𝑥
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Step graph A graph with horizontal ⎧ 6 −5 ≤ 𝑥 < −1

⎪
segments across different ⎨ 4 −1 ≤ 𝑥 < 3
​𝑦 = ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
domains, where the variable ⎪2 3 ≤ 𝑥 < 7
on the vertical axis is constant ⎩ 0 7 ≤ 𝑥 < 11
for each segment.
8
6
4
2

−5 0 5 10
−2

A closed circle indicates a value is included in the domain, and corresponds

to a ​≤​in the equation.
An open circle indicates a value is excluded from the domain, and corresponds
to a ​<​in the equation.

VCE General Mathematics Units 1&2 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY 5

Misconceptions

Description Incorrect ✖ Correct ✔

Drawing graphs through the origin, ​𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2​ ​𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 2​

instead of the 𝑦
​ ​-intercept. 𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦

5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥
−4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 −4 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
−1 −1
−2 −2
−3 −3
−4 −4
−5 −5

Confusing the 𝑥
​ ​and ​𝑦​values in ​(​3, 4​)​ ​(​3, 4​)​
a coordinate. ​𝑥​value: 4 ​𝑥​value: 3
​𝑦​value: 3 ​𝑦​value: 4

Not taking into account the negative ​𝑦 = 2 − 2𝑥​ ​𝑦 = 2 − 2𝑥​

sign of a gradient when plotting the 𝑦𝑦 𝑦𝑦
graph of an equation.
5 5
4 4
(1, 4)
3 3
(0, 2)
2 2
(0, 2)
1 1
(1, 0)
𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥
−1 1 2 3 −1 1 2 3
−1 −1
−2 −2
−3 −3
−4 −4
−5 −5

Choosing the incorrect equation in a

100 100
piecewise linear model because the
domains overlap. 80 80
cost per kg ($)

cost per kg ($)

60 60

40 40

20 20

0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 0 10 20 30 40 50
total purchased (kg) total purchased (kg)
12 kg costs $90 per kg. 12 kg costs $70 per kg.

VCE General Mathematics Units 1&2 CHAPTER 4 SUMMARY 6

 Ex. 4F- Simultaneous Linear Equations

Understand how to formulate and analyse linear models from worded descriptions or relevant
Learning
data (including simultaneous linear equations in two variables) and use this to solve practical
Intention:
problems including domain of interpretation.
I can: - solve simultaneous equations graphically.
Success - solve simultaneous equations using substitution.
Criteria: - solve simultaneous equations using elimination.
- model practical problems using simultaneous equations.

Real life situations can also be modelled by two or more linear equations that use the same variables. These
equations can be solved graphically, algebraically or using technology, to determine the values of the variables
that balance all equations simultaneously.

Solving simultaneous equations graphically

WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Find the point of intersection of the lines on the following graph.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2
Two lines have the equations 𝑦𝑦 = 1 + 3𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦 = 4 − 2𝑥𝑥.
Use a calculator to find the point of intersection graphically.
METHOD USING CASIO CLASSPAD
Solving simultaneous equations using substitution

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
Solve the following pairs of simultaneous equations using substitution.
a) 𝑦𝑦 = 5 − 3𝑥𝑥 and 4𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 = 5

b) 𝑥𝑥 = 4𝑦𝑦 − 2 and 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑦𝑦 + 7

Solving simultaneous equations using elimination

Solving simultaneous equations using the elimination method involves the equations being added or
subtracted in a way that eliminates one of the variables.

Elimination is useful when the equations are in the form 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 + 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑐𝑐. That is, both variables are on the
same side of the equals sign in both equations.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4
Solve the following pairs of simultaneous equations using elimination.
a) 3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 = 7 and −𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑦𝑦 = −1
 b) 2𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 = 2 and 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦 = 4

Modelling practical problems using simultaneous equations

WORKED EXAMPLE 5
Tickets for a Justin Bieber concert were $110 for A-reserve seats and $85 for B-reserve seats.
Annie and her friends bought 12 tickets in total and spent a total of $1095.
a) Construct two equations to model the situation.

b) How many B-reserve tickets did they buy?

METHOD USING CASIO CLASSPAD

 Ex. 4G- Piecewise Linear Models

Learning Understand piecewise linear (line segment, step) graphs and their application to modelling
Intention: practical situations, including tax scales and charges and payment.
I can: - classify and interpret piecewise graphs.
Success
- construct piecewise graphs.
Criteria:
- apply piecewise graphs to financial situations.

Linear functions can help to model various situations. They are limited, however, in that the rate of change
remains constant as the explanatory variable changes in value. Piecewise linear models allow for multiple
linear functions to be combined to model one situation. This has many applications, from distance and time
models to financial models.

Classifying and interpreting piecewise graphs

A piecewise linear graph is a graph made up of two or more

linear equations.

Each segment of a piecewise linear function will have a

domain, with any endpoints marked by a circle.

An open circle means the point is not included in the line,

whereas a closed circle means the point is included. Each
point of the function is only included once in the domain.

WORKED EXAMPLE 1
Classify the following graph as either a line segment graph or a step graph.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2
The following graph shows Ben’s distance from home (km), over an eight-hour time period, on a day
where he went on a road trip.
a) How far from home, in km, was Ben after 2 hours
and 30 minutes?

b) After how many hours did Ben stop to have lunch?

 c) On average, how fast, in km/h, was Ben travelling between the 6 and 7-hour mark?

WORKED EXAMPLE 3
Leslie owns a farm and spends a lot of time looking after her cows.

During the summer, the amount of water she provides to

each cow daily is dependent on the temperature.

The following step graph shows the daily amount of water

(L) each cow gets according to the temperature (°C).

a) How much water does each cow get when it is b) How much water does each cow get when it is
32 °C? 22 °C?

c) What is the lowest temperature possible for each cow to be provided with 75 L of water?

Constructing piecewise graphs

The function for a piecewise linear graph is expressed by listing the
function of each line segment, followed by its domain. A piecewise
linear function can be graphed by drawing the line of each linear
function according to its domain.
The following example shows a piecewise linear function and its
associated graph.
WORKED EXAMPLE 4
Construct a graph for the following piecewise linear functions.
a)

b)
Applying piecewise graphs to financial situations
A unique application of piecewise linear graphs is their common use in modelling different financial
situations, such as tax scales.

Each country has a different tax structure, where individuals pay a marginal tax rate depending on their level
of income. The following table shows the marginal tax rate for Australian residents in the 2022–2023
financial year.

This can be expressed with the following line It can also be expressed with the following step
segment graph, which shows the amount of graph, which shows the marginal tax rate of
tax paid per level of income. each income bracket.

Piecewise graphs can also be used to model various other financial situations.

For example, the following graph shows the account Step graphs can also be used to model payment
balance of a store at the end of each day throughout structures or schedules. The following graph
a week. shows the cost per kg ($), of a certain product,
depending on the total purchased (kg).

For example, an individual purchasing 12 kg of the

product would pay $70/kg, while someone
purchasing 30 kg would pay $55/kg.
WORKED EXAMPLE 5
Consider the following two piecewise linear graphs.

a) Approximately how much tax does an individual b) What is the marginal tax rate for an individual
earning $180 000 pay? earning $35 000?

WORKED EXAMPLE 6
The following piecewise linear graphs show the account balance of a jumping castle company at the end of
each month of the year (1 = January, etc), as well as the cost per hour of hiring one of their jumping
castles.

a) How much money would someone have to pay in b) By how much has the account balance decreased
total to hire a jumping castle for 8 hours and from March to August?
30 minutes?