as a regular customer in my favourite restaurant,i get 10%discount.but to the cost of the meal must be +17.5%gstand 12%service charge.if the %are to be worked out in turn(which each%-addition or discount-being on the previous answer),which order of working leaves me the least to pay?1)gst,service,discount 2)service,gst.discount 3)discount,gst,service 4)discount,service,gst

cost = (.9)(1.175)(1.12) x

I will get the same result no matter how the multiplication factors are arranged.

To determine the order of working that leaves you with the least amount to pay, we need to understand how each discount or charge affects the total cost. Let's analyze each step:

1) GST, Service, Discount:
- First, you apply the GST of 17.5% to the original cost of the meal.
- Next, you add the service charge of 12% to the cost (including GST).
- Finally, you apply the customer discount of 10% to the total cost (including GST and service charge).

2) Service, GST, Discount:
- First, you add the service charge of 12% to the original cost of the meal.
- Next, you apply the GST of 17.5% to the cost (including service charge).
- Finally, you apply the customer discount of 10% to the total cost (including service charge and GST).

3) Discount, GST, Service:
- First, you apply the customer discount of 10% to the original cost of the meal.
- Next, you apply the GST of 17.5% to the discounted cost.
- Finally, you add the service charge of 12% to the total cost (including discount and GST).

4) Discount, Service, GST:
- First, you apply the customer discount of 10% to the original cost of the meal.
- Next, you add the service charge of 12% to the discounted cost.
- Finally, you apply the GST of 17.5% to the total cost (including discount and service charge).

To determine which order results in the lowest payment, we need to compare the final costs of each option. Let's perform the calculations:

Option 1: GST, Service, Discount
- Let's assume the original cost of the meal is $100.
- GST: $100 + 17.5% = $117.5
- Service: $117.5 + 12% = $131.5
- Discount: $131.5 - 10% = $118.35

Option 2: Service, GST, Discount
- Original cost: $100
- Service: $100 + 12% = $112
- GST: $112 + 17.5% = $131.2
- Discount: $131.2 - 10% = $118.08

Option 3: Discount, GST, Service
- Original cost: $100
- Discount: $100 - 10% = $90
- GST: $90 + 17.5% = $105.75
- Service: $105.75 + 12% = $118.74

Option 4: Discount, Service, GST
- Original cost: $100
- Discount: $100 - 10% = $90
- Service: $90 + 12% = $100.8
- GST: $100.8 + 17.5% = $118.98

Comparing the final costs:
- Option 1: $118.35
- Option 2: $118.08
- Option 3: $118.74
- Option 4: $118.98

Among the four options, Option 2 (Service, GST, Discount) leads to the lowest payment of $118.08. Hence, this is the best order to minimize your expenses.