Final answer:
Without the cost of each item, we cannot accurately calculate the total spent on 2 hotdogs, 3 sodas, and a candy bar including a sales tax of $0.56. An example was provided to illustrate the process if the pre-tax total were known.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine how much the student spent at the concession stand on 2 hotdogs, 3 sodas, and a candy bar, including a sales tax of $0.56, we need to know the individual cost of each item before adding the tax. However, this information is not provided. Since we can’t calculate the total without the cost of the items, we can't accurately answer which option between a) $15.44, b) $17.56, c) $18.00, and d) $19.44 is correct. For example purposes, if the pre-tax total were $17.00 for all items together, adding the $0.56 tax would bring the total to $17.56, which corresponds to option b). However, this is purely illustrative and cannot be confirmed without the actual item prices.
Remember, to find the total cost including sales tax, you would add the cost of the items and then add the sales tax: Cost of items + Sales tax = Total cost.