SAT Question 36ab4122: Linear Equations In One Variable answer and explanation with Desmos solution

Choice B is correct. Since $p$ represents Megan's regular pay per hour, $1.5p$ represents the pay per hour in excess of $8$ hours. Since Megan worked for $10$ hours, she must have been paid $p$ dollars per hour for $8$ of the hours plus $1.5p$ dollars per hour for the remaining $2$ hours. Therefore, since Megan earned $$137.50$ for the $10$ hours, the situation can be represented by the equation $137.5=8p+2(1.5)p$. Distributing the $2$ in the equation gives $137.5=8p+3p$, and combining like terms gives $137.5=11p$. Dividing both sides by $11$ gives $p=12.5$. Therefore, Megan's regular wage is $$12.50$.