To solve this problem, let's break down the given situation and form the appropriate equation step-by-step.
1. Understanding the Problem:
- The accountant charges a fixed fee of $120 to complete a company's taxes. This fee does not change regardless of the number of hours worked.
- Additionally, the accountant charges $40 for each hour spent working on the taxes.
2. Setting Up the Equation:
- Let \( x \) represent the number of hours the accountant spends working.
- Let \( y \) represent the total fee charged by the accountant.
3. Formulating the Equation:
- The total fee \( y \) consists of two parts: the fixed fee and the hourly fee multiplied by the number of hours.
- The fixed fee is $120.
- The hourly fee is $40 per hour, so for \( x \) hours, this part of the fee would be \( 40x \).
- Therefore, the total fee \( y \) can be represented as the sum of the fixed fee and the variable hourly fee:
[tex]\[
y = 120 + 40x
\][/tex]
4. Comparing with Given Options:
- Compare the equation \( y = 120 + 40x \) with the given options:
- \( y = 40 + 120x \)
- \( y = 40 - 120x \)
- \( y = 120 + 40x \)
- \( y = 120 - 40x \)
5. Conclusion:
- The equation that matches our derived equation \( y = 120 + 40x \) is the third option.
Thus, the equation that can be used to describe this problem is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{y = 120 + 40x}
\][/tex]
