Final answer:
After calculating Thomas's total earnings of $212.50 from working 25 hours at $8.50 per hour, we find that he spent $42.50 on his friend's gift, which is 20% of his total paycheck.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how much Thomas spent on his friend's birthday gift, we must first calculate his total paycheck and then apply the 20% he spent on the gift.
Step 1: Calculate Thomas's Total Paycheck
Thomas worked for 25 hours at a rate of $8.50 per hour. To find his total earnings, we multiply the number of hours he worked by his hourly rate:
Total Paycheck = Hours Worked × Hourly Rate
Total Paycheck = 25 hours × $8.50/hour = $212.50
Step 2: Calculate the Amount Spent on the Gift
Next, we find 20% of Thomas's total paycheck to determine how much he spent on the gift. We do this by multiplying his total paycheck by 20% (or 0.20 in decimal form):
Amount Spent on Gift = Total Paycheck × 0.20
Amount Spent on Gift = $212.50 × 0.20 = $42.50