Final answer:
To approximate the total cost of the meal, calculate the sales tax and the tip. Add the cost of the meal, the sales tax, and the tip together to get the total cost of the meal.
Step-by-step explanation:
To approximate the total cost of the meal, you need to calculate the sales tax and the tip. First, find the sales tax by converting the tax rate to a decimal and multiplying it by the cost of the meal. In this case, 8.5% is 0.085, so multiplying $40 by 0.085 gives you $3.40. Next, calculate the tip by converting 18% to a decimal and multiplying it by the cost of the meal. 18% is 0.18, so multiplying $40 by 0.18 gives you $7.20. Finally, add the cost of the meal, the sales tax, and the tip together to get the total cost of the meal. In this case, $40 + $3.40 + $7.20 = $50.60.