Question

Ralph’s current annual income is $32,000. Using the graph shown below, Ralph has calculated that he will have to pay a total of $9,280 in federal taxes this year. Which of the following statements is true?
A circle graph titled Simpson's Annual Expenses. Federal taxes, 24 percent; State/local taxes, 10 percent; Housing and household, 23 percent; Food, 6 percent; Medical care, 8 percent; Transportation, 11 percent; Recreation, 3 percent; Clothing, 5 percent; Other, 10 percent.
a.
Ralph’s calculation is too high, he has only calculated state taxes.
b.
Ralph’s calculation is too high, his calculation includes state taxes.
c.
Ralph’s calculation is correct, he will have to pay $9,280 in federal taxes this year.
d.
Ralph’s calculation is too low, he did not include medical care in his calculation.

Answer 1

Answer: b.

Work: Federal taxes = 24% of $32,000 = 0.24 × 32,000 = $7,680. Ralph’s $9,280 is too high, so he must have included additional taxes (most likely the state/local taxes).