Isabel earns $15.80 per hour for the first 8 hours she works each day. She earns 1.5 × her hourly rate for all time after the first 8 hours. How much does Isabel earn on a day when she works 8.5 hours?

Rationale

Isabel earns $150.10 on a day when she works 8.5 hours.

Isabel works 8 hours at her regular rate of $15.80 and 0.5 hours at an overtime rate of $23.70 (1.5 times her hourly rate). Calculating her earnings for both segments leads to a total of $150.10.

A (126.4) YOUR ANSWER

This amount incorrectly represents Isabel's earnings for 8 hours of work at her regular rate, which is $15.80 × 8 = $126.40. However, it does not account for the additional half-hour she worked, which is essential for calculating her total earnings.

B (150.1) CORRECT

This value correctly calculates Isabel's total earnings. She earns $15.80 for each of the first 8 hours, totaling $126.40, and for the additional 0.5 hours, she earns $23.70 (1.5 × $15.80), resulting in $11.85. Adding these amounts gives $126.40 + $11.85 = $150.10.

C (189.6) YOUR ANSWER

This figure mistakenly assumes a higher total by incorrectly calculating either the regular or overtime hours. It does not reflect the correct application of her hourly rate or the overtime calculation. Therefore, it overestimates her total earnings.

D (201.45) YOUR ANSWER

This option suggests that Isabel earned more than her actual total, likely due to an incorrect calculation of overtime hours or rates. The correct overtime calculation shows she earns significantly less than this amount.

E (237) YOUR ANSWER

This choice indicates a gross overestimation of Isabel’s earnings. It fails to recognize the correct hourly rates and hours worked, leading to an erroneous conclusion far higher than her actual earnings.

Conclusion

To determine Isabel's earnings for 8.5 hours of work, one must accurately calculate her regular pay for the first 8 hours and her overtime for the additional half hour. The correct total of $150.10 reflects her hourly wage and the overtime rate applied correctly, reinforcing the importance of accurate calculations in payroll scenarios.