Claudia earns $6.40 per hour (h). For overtime (each hour

over 40 h) she earns $9.60. If she works 48.5 h in a week, what pay should she
receive?

40 * 6.40 = 256

48.5 - 40 = 8.5

8.5 * 9.60 = 81.60

256 + 81.60 = $337.60

To my mind easier to understand if the units are included? [I am very pedantic about including units my students!]

40 h * $6.40 h^-1 = $256

48.5 h - 40 h= 8.5 h

8.5 h * $9.60 h^-1= $81.60

$256 + $81.60 = $337.60

To calculate Claudia's pay, we need to consider two scenarios: the regular hours and the overtime hours.

Regular hours: Claudia works 40 hours at a rate of $6.40 per hour.
Regular pay = Regular hours * Hourly rate = 40 * 6.40 = $256

Overtime hours: Claudia works an additional 8.5 hours at a rate of $9.60 per hour.
Overtime pay = Overtime hours * Overtime rate = 8.5 * 9.60 = $81.60

Total pay = Regular pay + Overtime pay = 256 + 81.60 = $337.60

Therefore, Claudia should receive a pay of $337.60 for working 48.5 hours in a week.