Problem 65 - Elementary Algebra

Question

A restaurant bill is \(\$ 48\). If the tip is \(15 \%\) of the bill, find the total cost of the meal including tip.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The total cost of the meal including tip is $55.20.

Step 1 - Calculate the Tip Amount

First, find the tip amount by calculating 15% of the bill. To do this, multiply the bill amount by 0.15: \[ \text{Tip Amount} = 48 \times 0.15 = 7.2 \]

Step 2 - Add the Tip to the Bill

Next, add the tip amount to the original bill to find the total cost: \[ \text{Total Cost} = 48 + 7.2 = 55.2 \]

Key Concepts

Percentage Calculation

Understanding how to calculate percentages is essential in many real-world situations, such as when figuring out tips. To calculate a percentage, you take the total amount and multiply it by the percentage in its decimal form.

For example, to find 15% of \$ 48\, we convert 15% into a decimal by dividing by 100, resulting in 0.15. Then, we multiply this decimal by the total amount: \[\text{Tip Amount} = 48 \times 0.15 = 7.2\].

This method helps you quickly determine how much to tip or apply any percentage-based calculation.

Basic Arithmetic

Basic arithmetic skills, like addition and multiplication, are crucial for solving everyday problems. In the given problem, we used these skills to calculate the total cost of a meal, including the tip.

First, we multiplied the bill amount by the tip percentage to find the tip amount, which required understanding multiplication: \[\text{Tip Amount} = 48 \times 0.15 = 7.2\].

Next, we added the tip amount to the original bill to find the total cost: \[\text{Total Cost} = 48 + 7.2 = 55.2\].

Practicing these basic arithmetic operations can make everyday tasks like calculating your dining expenses quick and simple.

Real-World Math Applications

Mathematics is not just about solving equations in a textbook; it's a valuable tool for navigating daily life. Calculating tips is a common example of how math applies to real-world situations.

When dining out, knowing how to calculate a tip ensures you can budget your expenses accurately and show appreciation for good service. In our example, we found out the total cost of a meal by calculating 15% of the bill and adding it to the original amount.

This scenario shows the practical importance of combining percentage calculations and basic arithmetic to manage finances effectively.

• Understand the context
• Apply mathematical operations
• Make informed decisions based on your calculations