Clay ordered two suitcases ($44.50 each) from a catalog. He had to
pay 6.5% sales tax and a shipping charge of $3.89. What was the total
amount he was billed?
a. $98.68
b. $89
c. $94.79
d. $53.68
First, find the total cost of the two suitcases by multiplying the cost of one suitcase by 2:
2 x $44.50 = $89
Next, find the amount of sales tax by multiplying the total cost by 6.5% (or 0.065):
$89 x 0.065 = $5.785
Round this to the nearest cent:
$5.79
Finally, add the shipping charge of $3.89:
$89 + $5.79 + $3.89 = $98.68
Therefore, the total amount Clay was billed is $98.68, or option a.