Final answer:
Julio's normal hourly rate is calculated to be $12.40 when considering the provided details, but this does not match with any of the given options. Therefore, an error may exist in the question, or we might need further information to choose the correct answer from the provided choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find Julio's normal hourly rate (r), we need to create an equation that represents the total amount he earned. Julio worked 40 hours, but he is paid 1.4 times his normal rate for each hour over 28 hours. If we let r represent his normal hourly rate, then for the first 28 hours, he earns r per hour. For the remaining 12 hours (40 - 28 = 12), he earns 1.4 times his normal rate, which is 1.4r per hour.
The equation representing his earnings for the week is:
28r + 12(1.4r) = $555.52
Combining like terms, we get:
28r + 16.8r = $555.52
44.8r = $555.52
To find r, divide both sides by 44.8:
r = $555.52 / 44.8
r = $12.40 per hour
Looking at the provided options, none of them is exactly $12.40. Therefore, we should consider the closest option. Since option B is $12 per hour, it is important to verify that Julio's pay with $12 per hour would not exceed $555.52, taking into account the overtime calculation.
With $12 per hour:
Normal pay for 28 hours: 28 * $12 = $336
Overtime pay for 12 hours: 12 * $12 * 1.4 = $201.6
Total pay: $336 + $201.6 = $537.60
Since $537.60 does not match the $555.52 that Julio earned, we should consider a different approach.
After checking all the options, none matches with the exact normal hourly rate we calculated ($12.40), therefore it seems there is an issue with the provided options. We cannot provide a definitive answer based on the information given and the available choices.