Calculating Total Cost with Tax

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

Understanding the Problem

In this problem, we are given the cost of groceries and the tax amount. We need to calculate the total cost with tax. This is a simple arithmetic problem that requires basic addition.

Given Information

Cost of groceries: $13.81
Tax amount: $0.28

Calculating Total Cost with Tax

To calculate the total cost with tax, we need to add the cost of groceries and the tax amount.

Step 1: Add the Cost of Groceries and the Tax Amount

We will add the cost of groceries ($13.81) and the tax amount ($0.28).

$13.81 + $0.28 = $14.09

Conclusion

The total cost with tax is $14.09.

Answer

The correct answer is C. $14.09.

Explanation

This problem requires basic arithmetic operations, specifically addition. We added the cost of groceries and the tax amount to get the total cost with tax. The correct answer is $14.09, which is option C.

Real-World Application

This problem is relevant to real-life situations where we need to calculate the total cost of an item with tax. For example, when shopping online or in a store, we need to consider the tax amount in addition to the cost of the item.

Tips and Variations

To calculate the tax amount, we can use the formula: Tax Amount = (Cost of Item x Tax Rate)
To calculate the total cost with tax, we can use the formula: Total Cost = Cost of Item + Tax Amount
We can also use a calculator or a spreadsheet to calculate the total cost with tax.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to add the tax amount to the cost of the item
Using the wrong tax rate or tax amount
Not considering the tax amount in the calculation

Conclusion

Q: What is the formula to calculate the total cost with tax?

A: The formula to calculate the total cost with tax is: Total Cost = Cost of Item + Tax Amount.

Q: How do I calculate the tax amount?

A: To calculate the tax amount, you can use the formula: Tax Amount = (Cost of Item x Tax Rate). For example, if the cost of an item is $100 and the tax rate is 8%, the tax amount would be $8.

Q: What if I have a discount or a promotion? How do I calculate the total cost with tax?

A: If you have a discount or a promotion, you need to subtract the discount amount from the cost of the item before calculating the tax amount. For example, if the cost of an item is $100, the tax rate is 8%, and you have a 10% discount, the total cost with tax would be: Total Cost = (Cost of Item - Discount Amount) + Tax Amount.

Q: Can I use a calculator or a spreadsheet to calculate the total cost with tax?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator or a spreadsheet to calculate the total cost with tax. This can be especially helpful if you have complex calculations or need to calculate the total cost with tax for multiple items.

Q: What if I have multiple items with different tax rates? How do I calculate the total cost with tax?

A: If you have multiple items with different tax rates, you need to calculate the tax amount for each item separately and then add them together. For example, if you have two items with costs of $100 and $200, respectively, and tax rates of 8% and 10%, respectively, the total cost with tax would be: Total Cost = (Cost of Item 1 x Tax Rate 1) + (Cost of Item 2 x Tax Rate 2).

Q: Can I use a tax calculator or a tax app to calculate the total cost with tax?

A: Yes, you can use a tax calculator or a tax app to calculate the total cost with tax. These tools can help you quickly and easily calculate the tax amount and total cost with tax.

Q: What if I have a sales tax exemption or a tax-free item? How do I calculate the total cost with tax?

A: If you have a sales tax exemption or a tax-free item, you do not need to calculate the tax amount. The total cost with tax would be the same as the cost of the item.

Q: Can I round up or down to the nearest dollar or cent when calculating the total cost with tax?

A: No, you should not round up or down to the nearest dollar or cent when calculating the total cost with tax. You should calculate the tax amount and total cost with tax exactly as required.

Conclusion

Calculating the total cost with tax can be a complex process, but with the right formulas and tools, you can easily calculate the total cost with tax. Remember to use the formula: Total Cost = Cost of Item + Tax Amount, and to calculate the tax amount using the formula: Tax Amount = (Cost of Item x Tax Rate). If you have multiple items with different tax rates, you need to calculate the tax amount for each item separately and then add them together.