1. The problem asks to identify the type of function represented by the parking garage rates and to graph it. 2. The rates are given for different time intervals, each with a fixed price. This suggests a step function, where the function value is constant over intervals and jumps at certain points. 3. Define the function $R(t)$ where $t$ is the time in minutes parked. 4. The function is: $$ R(t) = \begin{cases} 8 & 0 \leq t \leq 30 \\ 16 & 31 \leq t \leq 60 \\ 24 & 61 \leq t \leq 90 \\ 32 & 91 \leq t \leq 720 \\ 32 + 4 = 36 & 721 \leq t \leq 1440 \end{cases} $$ 5. Explanation: For each time interval, the rate is constant, then it jumps to a higher rate at the next interval. After 12 hours (720 minutes), an additional 4 is added to the previous rate. 6. This is a classic step function, often called a piecewise constant function. 7. The graph of $R(t)$ will look like horizontal line segments at heights 8, 16, 24, 32, and 36 over the specified intervals, with jumps at the interval boundaries. 8. The special rates (Early Bird, Evening) are not part of the continuous function $R(t)$ but are special cases. Final answer: The parking rates represent a step function defined piecewise as above.