Final answer:
The percentage of an average American's daily water usage that is used for various other purposes is 38%, calculated by subtracting the known percentages for toilets, showers, baths, and running faucets from 100%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to calculate the percentage of an average American's daily water usage that is used for various other purposes, outside of the known percentages for toilets, showers, baths, and running faucets. According to the provided data:
- 27% of water is used by flushing toilets
- 25% is used while taking showers/baths
- 10% is used by running the faucet while brushing teeth, washing hands, and shaving
To find the percentage used for various other purposes, we need to subtract the sum of these known percentages from 100%:
100% - (27% + 25% + 10%) = 100% - 62% = 38%.
Therefore, 38% of the average American's daily water usage is allocated to various other purposes. This might include activities like cooking, drinking, watering plants, and washing clothes.