Question

Amar bought a book listed at \(\mathrm{Rs} 350 .\) The rate of sales tax was \(6 \%\). Find the sales tax paid by Amar (in Rs). (1) 14 (2) \(17.50\) (3) 21 (4) \(24.50\)

Short answer

Answer: The sales tax paid by Amar is Rs 21.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the formula for sales tax

Sales tax can be calculated using the following formula: Sales tax = Selling price × Sales tax rate. Since we are given the book's price (Rs 350) and the sales tax rate (6%), we can use this formula to find the sales tax paid by Amar.

Convert the sales tax rate to decimal

We need to convert the sales tax rate (6%) to a decimal so that we can use it in the formula. To do this, divide the given percentage by 100, which will give us 0.06. Now, we can use this decimal value in our calculation.

Calculate the sales tax paid by Amar

Now, we can use the formula mentioned in step 1 and the converted sales tax rate to find the sales tax paid by Amar. So, Sales tax = Selling price × Sales tax rate = Rs 350 × 0.06 = Rs 21. Therefore, the sales tax paid by Amar is Rs 21. The correct answer is (3) 21.

Key concepts

Percentage Calculation

Percentage calculation is a fundamental concept in mathematics that involves converting a given percentage into a usable numerical form. This is essential when working with real-world problems, such as calculating sales tax or discounts.
Understanding how to work with percentages helps in a variety of mathematical situations.
To convert a percentage into a decimal, simply divide by 100. For example, if the sales tax rate is given as 6%, you can convert this to a decimal form by calculating \( \frac{6}{100} \), which equals 0.06. Once converted, this decimal can be used in different mathematical formulas easily.
Practicing percentage calculations can sharpen your math skills and ensure you're well-prepared for any problem that involves percentages, like tax computations and tipping at restaurants.
Remember, the key is to transform the percentage into a decimal, which can then be multiplied by another value to find the desired result.

Mathematics Problem Solving

Mathematics problem solving is a crucial skill that requires understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and finally, checking whether the solution makes sense.
In the sales tax problem, the first step is recognizing that you need to calculate the tax based on a given price and tax rate. This involves understanding the context and purpose of the calculation.
Breaking down the problem into smaller, manageable steps is helpful:

• Identify the items involved (e.g., book price and tax rate).
• Convert necessary values into appropriate forms (percentages to decimals).
• Apply mathematical operations as per the formula provided.

Once you have a plan, implement it systematically. Multiply the selling price by the sales tax rate to find the sales tax. Always double-check your answer to ensure accuracy and alignment with the problem's requirements.

Mathematical Formulas

Mathematical formulas are like recipes that provide a method to solve specific types of problems by relating different quantities. In sales tax calculation, the formula is straightforward and essential.
The formula for calculating sales tax is:\[\text{Sales tax} = \text{Selling price} \times \text{Sales tax rate}.\]This means you take the selling price of an item and multiply it by the sales tax rate (in decimal form) to find the amount of sales tax.
It's important to use the correct formula suited for the problem you are solving. Each formula is designed for a specific type of calculation, making it crucial to understand context and apply it correctly.
In our example, with a book price of \(\mathrm{Rs} 350\) and a sales tax rate of 6% (or 0.06 in decimal form), the calculation becomes \(350 \times 0.06 = 21\). Hence, the sales tax Amar pays is \(\text{Rs 21}\).
Knowing how to properly utilize mathematical formulas is key in mathematics and aids in solving various real-world problems efficiently.