A family eats out at a restaurant and the total for their meals is $73.89. They also pay sales tax of 5.8% and leave a tip for their server. If the family leaves a total of $93, which of the following might be a description of the service they received?

a.
They left a 10% tip, so the service was probably below average.
b.
They left a 15% tip, so the service was probably average.
c.
They left a 20% tip, so the service was probably above average.
d.
They left a 25% tip, so the service was probably outstanding.

1 answer

To determine the description of the service based on the total amount the family paid and the tip, we first need to calculate the sales tax on their meal.

  1. Calculate Sales Tax:

    • The tax rate is 5.8%.
    • The total for the meals is $73.89.
    • Sales tax amount = 73.89 * 0.058 = $4.29 (approximately).
  2. Calculate Total with Tax:

    • Total with tax = Meal total + Sales tax = $73.89 + $4.29 = $78.18.
  3. Calculate the Tip Amount:

    • The total amount paid is $93.
    • Tip amount = Total paid - Total with tax = $93 - $78.18 = $14.82.
  4. Calculate Tip Percentage:

    • Tip percentage = (Tip amount / Total with tax) * 100.
    • Tip percentage = (14.82 / 78.18) * 100 ≈ 18.96%.

Now, we can compare this tip percentage to the options given:

  • a. They left a 10% tip, so the service was probably below average.

    • This is not correct.
  • b. They left a 15% tip, so the service was probably average.

    • This is a possible description, but it's lower than the calculated percentage.
  • c. They left a 20% tip, so the service was probably above average.

    • This is slightly above the calculated percentage.
  • d. They left a 25% tip, so the service was probably outstanding.

    • This is significantly higher than the calculated percentage.

From these options and calculations, the most accurate description is:

b. They left a 15% tip, so the service was probably average.

However, since the actual percentage is around 19%, it may be inferred that the service was actually better than average, but among the given options, b is the closest.