To calculate the total cost of your meal, you need to follow these steps:
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Calculate the subtotal of your meal before tax and tip.
- Appetizer: $8.99
- Entrees: 2 × $10.99 = $21.98
- Dessert: $2.99
Subtotal = $8.99 + $21.98 + $2.99 = $33.96
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Calculate the sales tax (3%) on the subtotal.
Sales Tax = 3% of $33.96 = 0.03 × $33.96 = $1.0188 (approximately $1.02 when rounded to two decimal places)
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Calculate the total after adding sales tax.
Total after tax = Subtotal + Sales Tax = $33.96 + $1.02 = $34.98
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Calculate the tip (20%) based on the total after tax.
Tip = 20% of $34.98 = 0.20 × $34.98 = $6.996 (approximately $7.00 when rounded)
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Calculate the final total cost.
Final Total = Total after tax + Tip = $34.98 + $7.00 = $41.98
Therefore, your total cost is $41.98.