Final answer:
Calculating Bruce's hourly rate involves setting up the equation for his total earnings based on his normal rate for the first 40 hours and an overtime rate of 1.5 times his normal rate for the additional 13 hours. Solving this equation indicates a normal hourly rate of $14, which does not align with any of the options provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bruce worked 53 hours and earned $833, earning 1.5 times his normal hourly rate for overtime hours (hours worked beyond 40). To calculate his normal hourly rate, we need to assume he worked 40 hours at his normal rate and 13 hours at 1.5 times his normal rate. Let's denote his normal hourly rate as x. So the calculation is: (40 hours * x) + (13 hours * 1.5x) = $833. Which simplifies to: 40x + 19.5x = $833, Combining like terms gives us: 59.5x = $833, To find x, divide both sides by 59.5: x = $833 / 59.5x
After calculating, we find that x = $14. Therefore, Bruce's normal hourly rate is $14 per hour, which is not one of the provided options, indicating a possible error in the options given or the question itself. Sincere apologies, but none of the options (a) $10, (b) $15, (c) $20, or (d) $25 match the correct calculation based on the information provided.