Question

At the restaurant, the cost of the meal before tax was $40. The tax is 8.5%, and Sheri wants to leave at least an 18% tip. Explain how to approximate the total cost of the meal.

Answer 1

The gratuity is about 20% of $40, which is $8. The tax is about 10% of $40, which is $4. So, the total cost is about $40 + $8 + $4 = $52.

Answer 2

18% + 8.5% = 26.5% which is close to 25%

25% of 40 is 10, 40 +10 = 50

so the total bill would be just over $50

real cost:

40*0.085 = 3.40 = 40 + 3.40 = 43.40

43.40 *0.18 = 7.81, 43.40 + 7.81 = 51.21