Answer:
Elaine's average tax rate was less than 40%
Step-by-step explanation:
The marginal tax rate is the rate at which tax is paid in a specific bracket which is less than any defined income level. On the other hand, the overall tax rate is proportional to the total income tax paid divided by the total sales.
Therefore, since it is a progressive tax structure that requires more income than tax, it suggests that the maximum rate at which Tax is levied is 40 percent, which in the lower income brackets would be lower.
Therefore, the total taxes collected in absolute terms will be less than 40% of the overall income.
Hence, the last option is correct