Luca hired a plumber to fix his sink. She charged $95.50 per hour. If the job took 1.5 hours, how much did Luca owe the plumber?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To calculate how much Luca owed the plumber, we can follow these steps:
- Identify the hourly rate: The plumber charges $95.50 per hour.
- Determine the time spent: The job took 1.5 hours.
- Multiply the hourly rate by the number of hours worked: [
\text{Total Cost} = \text{Hourly Rate} \times \text{Hours Worked}
] Substituting in the values: [
\text{Total Cost} = 95.50 \times 1.5
] Performing the multiplication: [
95.50 \times 1.5 = 143.25
]
Thus, the total amount that Luca owed the plumber is $143.25.
Explanation
In this situation, Luca hired a professional plumber to fix his sink, which is a common household task that often requires specialized skills and tools. The plumber charged an hourly rate, which is typical in many service industries, including plumbing, electrical work, and home repairs. The hourly rate reflects not only the time spent on the job but also the plumber’s expertise, training, and the costs of running their business.
To determine the total cost of the service, we multiply the hourly rate by the total number of hours worked. In this case, the plumber worked for 1.5 hours. This fraction of an hour indicates that the job was not a full two hours but required a significant portion of that time.
Understanding how to calculate costs in this manner is essential for budgeting and financial planning. It helps consumers like Luca anticipate expenses associated with home maintenance. When hiring service professionals, it’s also vital to confirm the hourly rates and any potential additional charges beforehand, such as travel fees or costs for materials.
Ultimately, Luca’s total payment of $143.25 reflects the fair compensation for the plumber’s time and expertise, ensuring that he received professional service to resolve his plumbing issue.