Hey guys! Ever wondered how to calculate the total cost of an order with sales tax and shipping? Let's break down a real-world example step by step. In this article, we'll help Bryce figure out his total credit card charge from a catalog order, considering a 6% sales tax and a $5 shipping fee. Grab your calculators, and let's dive in!
Understanding the Problem
Before we jump into calculations, let's clearly understand the problem. Bryce is ordering items from a catalog, and we need to find the total price he'll be charged to his credit card. This involves several steps: first, figuring out the cost of each item, then calculating the subtotal, adding the sales tax, and finally including the shipping costs. This is a common scenario, whether you're shopping online or through a catalog, so understanding these steps is super practical.
To solve this, we need to:
- Determine the cost of each item by multiplying the quantity by the price per item.
- Calculate the subtotal by adding the cost of all items.
- Compute the sales tax by multiplying the subtotal by the sales tax rate (6%).
- Add the sales tax and shipping cost to the subtotal to find the total charge.
So, are you ready to learn how to tackle this calculation like a pro? Let's get started!
Step 1: Calculate the Cost of Each Item
First up, we need to figure out the individual costs for each item Bryce is buying. This is pretty straightforward – we just multiply the quantity of each item by its price. So, what we're doing here is taking each item separately and working out how much it costs before we think about tax or shipping. This is like breaking down the bigger problem into smaller, manageable chunks, making the whole calculation much less daunting. Knowing the cost of each item also helps in budgeting and understanding where your money is going. Let's say, for example, Bryce is buying three different things: a lamp, some books, and a cozy blanket. We'll need to know the individual price of each of these before we can move on. So, grab those prices, multiply them by the quantities, and let's move on to the next step. The trick here is to be accurate and double-check your calculations. Even a small mistake at this stage can throw off the final total. So, take your time, use a calculator if needed, and make sure you've got the right amounts for each item. Once we have these individual costs, we're one step closer to figuring out Bryce's total bill!
Step 2: Determine the Subtotal
Alright, now that we've calculated the cost of each individual item, it's time to figure out the subtotal. The subtotal is simply the sum of all the individual item costs. This is the total amount before we add in any pesky sales tax or shipping fees. Think of the subtotal as the bare bones cost of your purchase. It’s a crucial step because the sales tax will be calculated based on this amount. So, if we mess up the subtotal, the entire calculation will be off. To get the subtotal, we take the cost we calculated for each item in the previous step and add them all together. It’s like adding up all the prices in your shopping cart before you head to the checkout. This step is not just about math; it’s also about understanding the breakdown of your expenses. Seeing the subtotal gives you a clear picture of how much you're spending on the actual products, separate from taxes and shipping. This can be helpful for budgeting and making informed purchasing decisions. So, let's say Bryce bought that lamp, the books, and the blanket, and we know the individual costs for each. Now, we simply add those costs together to find out the subtotal. Once we have this number, we're ready to move on to the next part of our calculation: figuring out the sales tax. So, let's get those numbers added up and keep moving forward!
Step 3: Calculate the Sales Tax
Next up, we need to calculate the sales tax. Sales tax is a percentage of the subtotal that the government adds to the cost of goods. In Bryce's case, the sales tax is 6 percent. So, how do we calculate this? It's actually pretty straightforward. We take the subtotal we calculated in the previous step and multiply it by the sales tax rate. Remember, to multiply by a percentage, we need to convert the percentage into a decimal. To do this, we divide the percentage by 100. So, 6 percent becomes 0.06 (6 / 100 = 0.06). Then, we multiply the subtotal by 0.06, and that gives us the amount of sales tax. Understanding how sales tax is calculated is super important in everyday life. It helps you understand the real cost of things and budget your money effectively. Without factoring in sales tax, you might end up short when you get to the checkout. This step is all about accuracy. Make sure you've correctly converted the percentage to a decimal and that you're multiplying it by the correct subtotal. A small error here can make a difference in the final amount you owe. Let's imagine Bryce's subtotal was $100. To calculate the sales tax, we'd multiply $100 by 0.06, which gives us $6. So, the sales tax would be $6. Now, we know how to calculate the sales tax, and we're getting closer to figuring out Bryce's total bill. Let's move on to the final step: adding everything together!
Step 4: Add Shipping Costs and Calculate the Total
Alright, we're almost there! We've calculated the cost of each item, the subtotal, and the sales tax. The last piece of the puzzle is the shipping cost. In this case, the shipping cost is a flat $5. This is a nontaxable cost, meaning we don't need to calculate sales tax on it. Now, to find the total price Bryce will be charged to his credit card, we need to add the subtotal, the sales tax, and the shipping cost together. This final step is where all our previous calculations come together. It's the moment of truth where we see the grand total Bryce will have to pay. This is super important because it tells Bryce exactly how much he'll be charged. To get the total, we simply add the subtotal, the sales tax we calculated, and the shipping fee. Make sure you're adding the correct numbers to avoid any surprises. Let's say Bryce's subtotal was $100, the sales tax was $6, and the shipping was $5. To find the total, we'd add $100 + $6 + $5, which equals $111. So, Bryce's total bill would be $111. Remember, it's always a good idea to double-check your work, especially in this final step. Make sure you haven't missed any numbers and that your addition is accurate. Now that we've walked through each step, you can see how to break down a seemingly complex problem into smaller, manageable parts. This is a skill that's useful not just in math but in many areas of life. So, let's recap the steps and make sure we've got it all down.
Step 5: Recap and Final Answer
Okay, let's do a quick recap to make sure we've got all the steps down. We started by understanding the problem, then we:
- Calculated the cost of each item.
- Determined the subtotal by adding the cost of all items.
- Computed the sales tax by multiplying the subtotal by the sales tax rate.
- Added the sales tax and shipping cost to the subtotal to find the total charge.
By following these steps, we can confidently calculate the total price Bryce will be charged to his credit card. This is a practical skill that comes in handy whenever you're shopping, whether it's online, in a store, or from a catalog. Understanding how taxes and shipping costs affect the final price helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises. Remember, the key is to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the process less overwhelming and ensures you don't miss any crucial details. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can tackle similar calculations with ease. Whether you're figuring out the total cost of groceries, online purchases, or any other transaction, you've got the tools to do it accurately. So, go forth and shop smart! And remember, always double-check your work to ensure accuracy. With a little practice, these calculations will become second nature. You'll be a pro at figuring out total costs in no time! Now you’re all set to handle similar problems with confidence. Happy calculating!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Calculating the total cost with sales tax and shipping doesn't have to be a headache. By breaking it down into simple steps, you can easily figure out the final price. Remember, it's all about adding up the individual costs, calculating the tax, and tacking on the shipping. With a little practice, you'll be a pro at this in no time! And that’s a wrap, folks! We hope this guide has helped you understand how to calculate the total cost, including sales tax and shipping. Remember, breaking down the problem into smaller steps makes it much easier to manage. Happy shopping, and stay savvy!