Mary’s restaurant bill comes out to $46.86 before tax. If the tax is 6.25% and she tips the waiter 20% what is the total cost of the meal?

Hint: Find the tax first then add it to the cost, then find the tip then add to cost/tax

$59.17  OR  $59.75    (see below)

Step-by-step explanation:

$46.86 x 6.25%  = $2.93  (amt. of tax.)

To determine 10% for the tip, move the decimal one place to the left.

$46.86  >  4.69

Doubled  >  4.69 + 4.69 = 9.38  (amt. of tip)

Now, here is where I STRONGLY disagree with the instructions hint

It is WRONG  to calculate the tip on the taxed amount. (Some, but not all restaurants and such places want you to believe otherwise; don't fall for it.) I am 1,000,000% sure of what I am saying, and you are free to investigate on your own for proof. In fact, it's illegal.

What *I* would do is

The meal's cost is 46.86 + 2.93 (tax) = 49.79

The tip (calculated on the UNtaxed amount) is 46.86 + 9.38 = 56.24

NOW, add the tax to determine the full amount you paid: 56.24 + 2.93 = 59.17.

But, if you follow the instructions hint:

46.86 + 2.93 = 49.79   (Adding tax to meal cost)

49.79  >>  4.98 = 10% > doubled = 9.96  (the tip amount based erroneously on the taxed amount)

49.79 + 9.96 =  59.75  (the tip added to the cost/taxed amount)

Do you see now how the restaurants make extra money by unsuspecting - and uninformed - patrons???  You've just given them an extra 58 cents. When you multiply that seemingly small amount to hundreds or thousands of patrons that they serve each day, that can amount to ALOT of money for them.

i can you with this question sweetie!

step-by-step explanation: