Hey guys! Let's break down how to figure out the total cost of Charlie's airplane ticket. It's a common scenario, and understanding the steps will help you calculate similar expenses in the future. We'll walk through the base fare, the tax, and those pesky additional fees. So, buckle up, and let's dive in!
Understanding the Base Fare
First off, Charlie's airplane ticket has a base price. This base fare is the initial cost of the ticket before any taxes or fees are added. In this case, the base fare is $288.00. Think of this as the starting point for our calculation. It's the foundation upon which we'll build the total cost. When you're planning your own trips, always pay close attention to this base fare, as it's the primary component of your travel expenses. Airlines often advertise enticingly low base fares, but remember that the final cost will always be higher once taxes and fees are factored in. It's essential to keep this in mind when comparing prices from different airlines or travel websites.
Calculating the Tax
Now, let's talk about tax. Tax on the ticket is calculated as a percentage of the base fare. In this scenario, the tax rate is 7.5%. To find out the amount of tax Charlie has to pay, we need to calculate 7.5% of $288.00. Here's how we do it:
- Convert the percentage to a decimal: Divide 7.5 by 100, which gives us 0.075.
- Multiply the base fare by the decimal: $288.00 × 0.075 = $21.60.
So, the tax on Charlie's ticket is $21.60. Taxes are a crucial component of any purchase, and they can significantly impact the final price you pay. When it comes to airline tickets, taxes can vary depending on the destination, the airline, and even the time of year. Some countries and regions have higher taxes on air travel than others, so it's essential to be aware of this when budgeting for your trip. Understanding how taxes are calculated can help you make informed decisions and avoid any surprises when you reach the checkout page.
Factoring in Additional Fees
Ah, additional fees – the bane of many travelers! These can include everything from baggage fees to seat selection charges, and they can really add up. In Charlie's case, he has to pay an additional $26 in fees. These fees are usually separate from the base fare and taxes, and they're added on top of those costs. It's super important to factor in these fees when calculating the total cost of your trip. Airlines often have different fee structures, so it's worth comparing them to see which one offers the best deal for your needs. Some airlines might have lower base fares but higher fees, while others might have the opposite. To make an informed decision, you need to consider the total cost, including all the extras.
Calculating the Total Cost
Alright, we've got all the pieces of the puzzle. Now, let's put them together to find out how much Charlie will pay in total. Here's the breakdown:
- Base fare: $288.00
- Tax: $21.60 (calculated as 7.5% of $288.00)
- Additional fees: $26.00
To find the total cost, we simply add these amounts together:
$288.00 + $21.60 + $26.00 = $335.60
Therefore, Charlie will pay a total of $335.60 for his airplane ticket. It's a straightforward calculation once you break it down into its components. This approach can be applied to various similar scenarios, such as calculating the total cost of a hotel stay or a rental car. The key is to identify all the individual costs, calculate any percentages or taxes, and then add everything up. By mastering this skill, you'll be able to budget effectively and avoid any financial surprises when you're making travel arrangements.
Identifying the Correct Expression
Now, let's look at the expressions provided and see which one correctly represents the calculation we just did. We need an expression that:
- Calculates the tax (7.5% of $288.00).
- Adds the tax to the base fare.
- Adds the additional fees.
Let's examine the options:
- $288 - (288 ÷ 0.075) + 26: This expression is incorrect because it subtracts a large number (288 divided by 0.075) from the base fare, which doesn't make sense in this context. We need to add the tax, not subtract it.
- $288 + (288 × 0.075) + 26: This expression looks promising! It correctly calculates the tax by multiplying the base fare by 0.075 (which is the decimal equivalent of 7.5%) and then adds the tax and the additional fees to the base fare. This is exactly what we need.
- $288 - (288 × 0.075): This expression is also incorrect. It subtracts the tax from the base fare, which is not the correct way to calculate the total cost. We need to add the tax.
So, the correct expression is: $288 + (288 × 0.075) + 26. This expression accurately represents the steps we took to calculate the total cost of Charlie's airplane ticket.
Conclusion: Mastering Cost Calculations
Calculating the total cost of an item or service, like an airplane ticket, involves breaking down the expenses into their components and then adding them up. In Charlie's case, we started with the base fare, calculated the tax, and then added the additional fees. By following these steps, we were able to determine the total amount he would pay. This skill is super valuable in everyday life, whether you're planning a vacation, buying a new gadget, or simply trying to stick to a budget. Remember to always factor in taxes and fees when making financial decisions, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a savvy shopper!
This whole exercise highlights the importance of understanding percentages and how they're applied in real-world situations. Taxes, discounts, and interest rates all involve percentages, so mastering this concept is essential for financial literacy. Whether you're calculating a tip at a restaurant or figuring out the interest on a loan, a solid understanding of percentages will serve you well. So, keep practicing, and you'll become a pro at cost calculations in no time!