1. The problem gives a linear cost function for hiring a scooter: $$C = 0.15t + 22$$ where $C$ is the cost and $t$ is the time in minutes. 2. The graph shows the cost starts near 11 when $t=0$, but the equation gives $C=22$ at $t=0$. This suggests the graph's starting point is approximate or the equation is the exact model. 3. The cost increases by 0.15 for each additional minute, which means the slope of the line is 0.15. 4. To verify the endpoint near $(160,44)$, substitute $t=160$ into the equation: $$C = 0.15 \times 160 + 22 = 24 + 22 = 46$$ This is close to the graph's endpoint of 44, confirming the linear model. 5. The equation models the cost as a fixed starting fee of 22 plus 15 pence per minute. Final answer: The cost function is $$C = 0.15t + 22$$ which matches the graph's linear increase in cost with time.