Real-Life Math -- Solution
The sooner you come up with an estimate, the sooner you can get
started on this order. You get out a scratch pad.
500
mugs x $2.25 per mug = $1,125
100 T-shirts x $12.95 per shirt = $1,295
Total
= $2,420
Discount: $2,420 x 0.15 = $363
$2,420
- $363 discount = $2,057
Now you need to figure
out what the taxes will be.
0.11 x $2,057 = $226.27
Now
you can total things up for the estimate:
Total before
tax: $2,420 - $363 = $2,057
Plus 11 percent sales tax: $226.27
Final
total = $2,283.27
You give the manager of the computer
company a call and he likes the estimate, so you start on your first big order.
Most
businesses don't require their owners to know advanced math, but basic math
knowledge is essential.
"I don't use calculus or advanced differential
equations, of course, but I do use math every day to figure clients' balances,
to honor my 'percent-off' specials, and to keep a running account
of my income and expenses," says Lisa Bryan, owner of a marketing communications
firm.