Final answer:
To calculate the total cost of a $20 meal with a 7% sales tax and a 20% tip, first calculate and add the sales tax to the meal cost, and then calculate and add the tip. The total cost comes out to be $25.40.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the total cost of a $20 meal with a 7% sales tax and a 20% tip, follow these steps:
- Calculate the sales tax by converting the percent to a decimal: 7% = 0.07. Then multiply the tax rate by the cost of the meal: 0.07 × $20 = $1.40.
- Add the sales tax to the original meal cost: $20 + $1.40 = $21.40.
- Calculate the tip by first converting the percent to a decimal: 20% = 0.20. Then multiply the tip rate by the original meal cost (not including sales tax): 0.20 × $20 = $4.00.
- Add the calculated tip to the cost of the meal plus sales tax: $21.40 + $4.00 = $25.40.
The total cost of the meal, including sales tax and tip, is $25.40.