Question

Shopping: Tax Situation: You are purchasing four items and want to calculate the tax. The items cost $2.50, $8.75, $3.00, and $10.25. The tax rate is 6%. How much is the tax? Calculation With Distribution (Show all steps.) Calculation Without Distribution (Show all steps.) I I think is easier: to distribute. to not distribute. Why I Think it is Easier

Answer 1

Let's begin by listing out the information given to us:

Items: $2.50, $8.75, $3.00 & $10.25

Tax = 6% = 0.06

With Distribution, we have:

`\begin{gathered} tax=0.06(2.50+8.75+3.00+10.25) \\ tax=0.15+0.525+0.18+0.615 \\ tax=\text{ \$}1.47 \end{gathered}`

Without Distribution, we have:

`\begin{gathered} total=2.50+$8.75+$3.00+$10.25$=\text{ \$}24.75 \\ tax=0.06\cdot total=0.06(24.75) \\ tax=\text{\$}1.47 \end{gathered}`

I think it is easier without distribution. It gives less room for numerical inaccuracies