Question

Joan and Carl both worked 19 hours this week and each sold $2000 worth of meals. Their hourly wages are $10.50 and $9.00, respectively. In addition, Joan's percent of tips was 12% while Carl's was 23%. Who made the most money this week between Joan and Carl?

Answer 1

Carl

Explanation:

Joan and Carl both worked 19 hours this week and each sold $2000 worth of meals. Their hourly wages are $10.50 and $9.00, respectively. In addition, Joan's percent of tips was 12% while Carl's was 23%. Therefore, Carl made the most money this week.

Answer 2

Carl

Explanation:

The money each made is ...

(19 hours)(hourly rate) +($2000)(tip rate)

For Joan, this is ...

(19 h)($10.50/h) +($2000)(0.12) = $199.50 +240 = $439.50

For Carl, this is ...

(19 h)(9.00/h) +($2000)(0.23) = $171.00 +460 = $631.00

Carl's take for the week was $191.50 more than Joan's.

_____

You can also compare the difference in wages of 1.50/h × 19 h = $28.50 to the difference in tips of 11% × $2000 = $220. Carl's additional tips more than made up for his lower wages.