Name: _____________________________ Class: ________Date: ________

Which Cell Phone Plan FUNCTION

well?

A cell phone plan consists of a fixed cost (the monthly fee) and a variable cost
(charge for the text messages). Find a linear function that gives the total cost
of each plan (y) for the amount text messages (x) that are sent.

You are at The Mall of America searching for a new cell phone. You have
identified two plans that work for you. The first plan is through Grantz
Communications. The second plan is through Alltell Wireless.

Grantz Communications charges a monthly fee of $75.00 for

unlimited calling to the US and Mexico. Fast Communications also
charges you 7 cents per text message.

Alltell charges a monthly fee of $69.00 for unlimited calling to the

US and Mexico. Alltell Wireless charges you 9 cents per text
message.

1. Write a linear function in the form of y = mx + b for both plans

Grantz: ______________________ Alltell: _____________________

2. If you expect to use 100 text messages per month, which plan is the best
value? Show your work.

Grantz: ______________________ Alltell: _____________________

Answer: ____________________________________________________________

1
Name: _____________________________ Class: ________Date: ________

3. Using the cost functions from above, determine the cost of using 200 total
text messages and 500 total text messages with each plan. Then
determine which plan is the best deal for each level. Show your work.

200 text messages 200 text messages

Vextel: _________________________ Alltell: ________________________

4. Which plan is cheaper for 200 texts? ______________________________

500 Text messages 500 Text messages

5. Which plan is cheaper for 500 texts? __________________________

Grantz: ______________________ Alltell: _______________________

2
 Name: _____________________________ Class: ________Date: ________

Graph the equations on graph paper using the amount of text message for
your (x axis) and the total cost as your (y axis).
Label each axis.
Cost

Text

6. At what amount of text messages does 7. Which plan would you recommend to a
the cost of the Alltell Wireless plan consumer who expects to send between 400
become more expensive than the and 600 text messages each month? Explain
Grantz Communications Plan? your reasoning.

______________________________ __________________________________