How Long Did Finley Hire the Motorhome? Step-by-Step Cost Calculation

If you’ve ever hired a motorhome, you’ll know the costs can add up quickly! Let’s look at a real-world GCSE Maths problem involving hiring costs and see how to break it down, just as a UK Tutor for GCSE Maths would guide you.

The Scenario

• First day hire: £130
• Each extra day: £90
• Each mile travelled: £0.60 (60p)
• Miles travelled: 560
• Total cost: £916

The question: How many days did Finley hire the motorhome for?

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Step 1: Work Out the Mileage Cost

First, let’s calculate the total cost for the miles travelled.

\text{Cost for miles} = \text{Number of miles} \times \text{Cost per mile}

= 560 \times £0.60 = £336

Step 2: Find the Cost for Days Hired

The remaining cost must be for hiring the motorhome (first day + extra days):

= £916 - £336 = £580

= £916 - £336 = £580

Step 3: Set Up an Equation for Days Hired

Let  be the total number of days Finley hired the motorhome.

• The first day costs £130.
• Each extra day costs £90.
• So, the cost for days is:

\text{Cost for days} = £130 + £90 \times (d-1)

Set this equal to the days cost:

£130 + £90 \times (d-1) = £580

Step 4: Solve for d

Subtract £130 from both sides:

£90 \times (d-1) = £580 - £130

£90 \times (d-1) = £450

Divide both sides by £90:

d-1 = \frac{£450}{£90} = 5

Add 1 to both sides:

d = 5 + 1 = 6

Final Answer

Finley hired the motorhome for 6 days.

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This sort of cost breakdown is a classic real-life maths problem—practice makes perfect! If you want more support with these kinds of questions, consider getting help from a UK Tutor for GCSE Maths. They’ll help you master the step-by-step method and feel confident for your exams!