Using linear function concepts, it is found that he can correctly determine the hourly rate as follows:
subtract the supply fee, 15 dollars from the total cost, then, divide the difference by the number of hours.
A linear function is modeled by:
[tex]y = mx + b[/tex]
In which:
The flat fee is of $15, hence b = 15, then:
[tex]y = mx + 15[/tex]
Philip uses the service for 3.5 hours for his spring cleaning, and his total is $232, hence when x = 3.5, y = 232, so we use it to find the hourly rate m.
[tex]y = mx + 15[/tex]
[tex]232 = 3.5m + 15[/tex]
[tex]m = \frac{232 - 15}{3.5}[/tex]
Hence, the correct option is:
subtract the supply fee, 15 dollars from the total cost, then, divide the difference by the number of hours.
You can learn more about linear function concepts at https://brainly.com/question/24808124