1. **State the problem:** Preston earns 33.00 for babysitting for 2.4 hours. We want to find how much he earns per hour. 2. **Write the equation:** Let $x$ be the amount Preston earns per hour. The total earnings equal hourly rate times hours worked: $$2.4x = 33.00$$ 3. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by 2.4 to isolate $x$: $$x = \frac{33.00}{2.4}$$ 4. **Simplify the fraction:** $$x = \frac{\cancel{33.00}}{\cancel{2.4}} = 13.75$$ 5. **Interpretation:** Preston earns 13.75 per hour. **Final answer:** Preston earns **13.75** per hour.