Kito's Purchase: Calculate Total Cost With Tax & Shipping

Let's break down how to calculate Kito's total cost, considering the items purchased, sales tax, and shipping fees. It might seem a bit complex at first, but don’t worry, we'll go through it step by step. We will explore calculating the subtotal, applying the sales tax, and determining the correct shipping cost based on the purchase amount. By the end of this, you'll be a pro at figuring out total costs for any shopping scenario, which is a super useful skill in real life, whether you're shopping online or at a brick-and-mortar store. So, let's dive into the world of numbers and calculations together, guys! First, we need to understand the basics of calculating the sales tax. Sales tax is a percentage of the purchase price that is added to the total cost. It is a way for the government to generate revenue, which is then used to fund public services such as schools, roads, and infrastructure. The amount of sales tax that you have to pay will depend on the sales tax rate in your state or locality. In the United States, sales tax rates vary from state to state, and even within states, sales tax rates can vary from city to city or county to county. This is because state and local governments have the power to set their own sales tax rates. Now, how do we calculate this? Well, it’s pretty straightforward. You multiply the purchase price by the sales tax rate (expressed as a decimal). For example, if the purchase price is $100 and the sales tax rate is 6%, the sales tax amount would be $100 * 0.06 = $6. So, remember, the sales tax calculation is a crucial step to factor in when planning your expenses and understanding the real cost of your purchases. With that out of the way, let's get back to Kito's purchase and see how this all comes together!

1. Calculating the Subtotal

First things first, we need to find the subtotal of Kito's purchases. This means adding up the cost of all the items before we even think about tax or shipping. So, Kito bought:

• An item for $39.99
• A tuner for $24.99
• Picks for $26.99

To get the subtotal, we simply add these amounts together:

$39.99 + $24.99 + $26.99 = $91.97

So, the subtotal of Kito's purchases is $91.97. This is the base amount we'll use to calculate the sales tax and determine shipping costs. It's like the foundation of our calculation, the starting point before we add in any extra fees or charges. Think of it as the raw cost of the items themselves, without any additional expenses layered on top. This subtotal is super important because it's what we'll use to figure out how much tax Kito needs to pay, and it also helps us determine the correct shipping fees based on the total amount spent on the goods. Getting the subtotal right is crucial for making sure the final cost calculation is accurate, so it's always a good idea to double-check your math at this stage. Understanding the subtotal helps you as a consumer to really see the cost of the goods you are buying, and then you can understand how the taxes and shipping fees add to the overall expense. Once we have this number, we're one step closer to figuring out Kito's final bill! Now, let's move on to the next step: calculating the sales tax. We've got the subtotal figured out, so we're in a great position to see how much extra tax will add to the overall cost. Remember that 6% tax? That's our next challenge!

2. Calculating the Sales Tax

Now that we have the subtotal ($91.97), we can calculate the sales tax. The tax rate is 6%, which we need to convert to a decimal by dividing by 100 (6 / 100 = 0.06). To find the sales tax amount, we multiply the subtotal by the decimal tax rate:

$91.97 * 0.06 = $5.5182

Since we're dealing with money, we need to round this to the nearest cent, which gives us $5.52. So, the sales tax on Kito's purchase is $5.52. This amount represents the additional cost due to the sales tax, and it goes straight to the government. It's important to include this in our total cost calculation because it's a mandatory fee. Tax calculations are one of those things that can seem a little tricky, but once you break it down step by step, it becomes pretty manageable. The key is to remember to convert that percentage into a decimal before you multiply it by the subtotal. Otherwise, your calculation will be way off! Sales tax is a reality in most shopping situations, so understanding how to figure it out is a practical skill that can save you from surprises at the checkout. Plus, knowing how taxes work helps you be a more informed consumer overall. Now that we've added in the sales tax, we're getting closer to the total, but there's still one more important factor to consider: shipping costs. Shipping fees can vary widely depending on where you're shopping and how quickly you want your items to arrive, so let's see how that factors into Kito's bill.

3. Determining Shipping Costs

Okay, the final piece of the puzzle: shipping costs! The problem gives us a table to figure this out:

Unfortunately, the provided information is incomplete. The shipping costs for each purchase range are missing from the table. To accurately determine the shipping cost, we need the amounts for Standard Shipping and Express Shipping for purchases up to $50 and for purchases over $50.

Let's assume, for the sake of demonstration, that the shipping costs are as follows:

Since Kito's subtotal is $91.97, which is over $50, let’s assume Kito chooses standard shipping. Based on our assumed table, the standard shipping cost would be $9.99. Choosing the right shipping option can make a big difference in the total cost and how quickly you receive your items. Standard shipping is usually the most economical option, but if you need your purchase to arrive quickly, express shipping might be worth the extra cost. Companies often use different shipping rates to encourage customers to spend more, as you sometimes see free shipping offered for orders over a certain amount. This is a common strategy to boost sales, but it's always a good idea to weigh the cost of shipping against the actual need for speed. Now that we've navigated the shipping costs, even with our assumptions, we're ready to put all the pieces together and calculate the final cost. It's like we're assembling the final product, adding the last component to complete the picture. We've tackled the subtotal, the sales tax, and the shipping fees, so let's wrap it all up and see what Kito's total bill looks like!

4. Calculating the Total Cost

Alright, we're in the home stretch! We've got all the numbers we need. To calculate the total cost, we simply add the subtotal, sales tax, and shipping cost together:

• Subtotal: $91.97
• Sales Tax: $5.52
• Shipping (assumed): $9.99

Total Cost = $91.97 + $5.52 + $9.99 = $107.48

Therefore, Kito's total cost for the purchase, including tax and standard shipping (based on our assumed shipping costs), is $107.48. Figuring out the total cost like this is super practical because it gives you a clear picture of what you're actually spending. It's not just about the price tag on the item itself; you have to factor in those extra charges like tax and shipping to know the true cost. This kind of calculation is a lifesaver for budgeting and making sure you're not overspending. Plus, it helps you compare prices between different stores or online retailers, especially when some might offer lower prices but higher shipping fees, or vice versa. Being able to accurately calculate the total cost empowers you to make smart purchasing decisions and get the best value for your money. It's a skill that comes in handy in all sorts of situations, from everyday shopping to bigger purchases like electronics or furniture. So, congratulations, we've successfully navigated the calculations for Kito's purchase! You've seen how to break down each component – the subtotal, the sales tax, and the shipping costs – and then combine them to find the final total. Now you're well-equipped to tackle similar calculations in your own shopping adventures. You go, guys!

Conclusion

Calculating the total cost of a purchase involves a few key steps: finding the subtotal, calculating sales tax, determining shipping costs, and then adding it all together. This exercise with Kito’s purchase demonstrates how important it is to consider all these factors to understand the true cost of your items. Remember, guys, being a savvy shopper means more than just finding the lowest price tag; it's about understanding all the costs involved and making informed decisions. By mastering these calculations, you're setting yourself up to be a smart and responsible consumer. This skill is useful not just for personal shopping, but also for broader financial planning and budgeting. Knowing how to calculate costs accurately helps you manage your money better, avoid surprises, and make the most of your purchasing power. So, whether you're buying a small item or making a large investment, take the time to figure out the total cost. It's a simple habit that can have a big impact on your financial well-being. And who knows, maybe you'll even start looking forward to tackling those math problems at the checkout – or at least, feel a little more confident when you do! Keep practicing, stay curious, and happy shopping!