Let's first gather the informations given in the scenario:
Given:
Mr. Harrison earnings: $32 per hour
Mr. Harrion working hours per week: 40 hours
Question: If he works 26 overtime hours (at time-and-a-half), would his overtime pay exceed his regular gross pay?
If he works in overtime. His earning will be 1.5 times their usual hourly rate.
Let's now compute if his regular overtime pay exceed his gross pay:
Regular earning: $32 per hour at 40 hours per week.
Total earning at regular rate: $32 x 40 = $1,280.00
Overtime earning: $32(1.5) = $48 at 26 overtime hours.
Total earning at overtime rate: $48 x 26 = $1,248.00
Mr. Harrison's overtime pay didn't exceed his regular gross pay because his overtime pay would only be $1,248.00 at 26 overtime hours compared to his regular gross pay of $1,280.00 at 40 hours per week.