Calculate Glenda's Total Cost For Picture Frames And Mats Online
Glenda is making an online purchase to spruce up her home decor, buying both picture frames and mats. Let's break down the costs and calculations to figure out the final amount she'll pay. This involves calculating the subtotal for the frames, the subtotal for the mats, the total purchase price, sales tax, shipping costs, and finally, the grand total.
Frame Costs
First, Glenda is purchasing picture frames. She's buying 4 picture frames at a price of $12.95 each. To calculate the subtotal for the frames, we'll multiply the number of frames by the price per frame:
4 frames * $12.95/frame = $51.80
So, the subtotal for the picture frames is $51.80. This is a significant part of her purchase, highlighting the cost of adding those finishing touches to her photos or artwork. When planning a home decor project, it's important to consider these individual item costs to stay within budget. A single frame might seem inexpensive, but the cost adds up when purchasing multiple items. Understanding these individual costs allows for informed decision-making and helps to prioritize spending.
Moreover, the choice of frames can greatly influence the overall aesthetic of a room. Different styles, materials, and sizes can create various moods and complement different types of artwork or photographs. The investment in high-quality frames not only protects the displayed items but also enhances their visual appeal. This can transform a simple print or photo into a captivating piece of art. For Glenda, selecting the right frames is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel in her home. She may have considered factors such as the color, texture, and design of the frames to ensure they harmonize with her existing decor. This level of attention to detail is often what distinguishes a well-designed space from a merely functional one. The choice of mats also plays a vital role in this process, as they provide a visual buffer between the artwork and the frame, enhancing the artwork's prominence.
Mat Costs
Next, Glenda is also buying mats to go with her frames. She's purchasing 4 mats at a price of $5.89 each. To find the subtotal for the mats, we'll multiply the number of mats by the price per mat:
4 mats * $5.89/mat = $23.56
Therefore, the subtotal for the mats is $23.56. While individually the mats are less expensive than the frames, the cost still contributes to the overall expense of the purchase. When framing artwork or photos, mats serve both an aesthetic and a protective purpose. They create a visual border that draws the eye to the artwork, while also preventing the artwork from touching the glass, which can cause damage over time. The selection of mat color and thickness can significantly impact the presentation of the artwork, making it a crucial aspect of the framing process. A well-chosen mat can enhance the colors and textures of the artwork, while a poorly chosen mat can detract from it.
In Glenda's case, the cost of the mats represents a considerable portion of her total framing expenses. This highlights the importance of budgeting for all components of a project, not just the primary items. By considering the cost of mats, Glenda is ensuring that she has a complete and accurate picture of her expenses. This allows her to make informed decisions about her spending and avoid unexpected costs. The mats also provide a professional touch to framed pieces, elevating the overall presentation and adding value to the displayed artwork. They are an integral part of the framing process, contributing to both the aesthetics and the preservation of the artwork.
Total Purchase Price Before Tax and Shipping
To determine the total purchase price before tax and shipping, we'll add the subtotal for the frames and the subtotal for the mats:
$51.80 (frames) + $23.56 (mats) = $75.36
So, the total purchase price before tax and shipping is $75.36. This figure represents the combined cost of the picture frames and mats, providing a baseline for calculating the additional expenses of tax and shipping. Understanding the total purchase price before these extra costs allows Glenda to better manage her budget and anticipate the final amount she will need to pay. It's a crucial step in the online shopping process, ensuring transparency and preventing any surprises at checkout.
The $75.36 total reflects the core investment in Glenda's home decor project, highlighting the importance of both the frames and the mats in creating a finished and polished look. This amount serves as a foundation for further calculations, enabling Glenda to accurately determine the total cost of her purchase. By breaking down the expenses into these distinct components, she gains a clearer understanding of where her money is being spent. This level of financial awareness empowers her to make informed decisions about her purchases and stay within her budget. The subtotal also allows for easy comparison with other options, should Glenda decide to explore alternative frames or mats. This flexibility is particularly valuable when shopping online, where a wide range of products and prices are readily available.
Calculating Sales Tax
The site states that taxes are 6.5% of the total purchase price. To calculate the sales tax, we'll multiply the total purchase price before tax and shipping by the tax rate:
$75.36 * 0.065 = $4.8984
Rounding to the nearest cent, the sales tax is $4.90. Sales tax is a common addition to online purchases, and it's crucial to factor it into the overall cost. The 6.5% tax rate in Glenda's case is applied to the total value of the items she is purchasing, adding a significant amount to the final bill. Calculating this tax accurately is essential for budgeting and avoiding any unexpected charges at checkout. Understanding the sales tax rate and its application allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and manage their finances effectively.
In addition to budgeting, awareness of sales tax rates can also influence purchasing decisions, particularly for larger purchases. A higher tax rate may lead consumers to consider alternative options or postpone their purchase until a sale or promotional period. The transparency of online retailers in displaying sales tax information is vital for building trust with customers and ensuring a smooth transaction process. By clearly stating the tax amount before checkout, retailers enable customers to accurately assess the total cost of their purchase. The sales tax is an important component of the final price, and its calculation is a key step in the online shopping experience.
Determining Shipping Charges
The shipping charges are based on the amount of purchase, according to the table provided. However, the table itself is missing from the problem description. To proceed, we'll need the shipping cost table. Let's assume, for the sake of illustration, a hypothetical shipping cost table:
- Purchase Amount | Shipping Cost
- $0.00 - $25.00 | $4.99
- $25.01 - $50.00 | $6.99
- $50.01 - $75.00 | $8.99
- $75.01 - $100.00 | $10.99
- $100.01 and up | $12.99
Since Glenda's purchase price before tax and shipping is $75.36, according to our hypothetical table, her shipping cost would be $10.99. Shipping costs are a significant factor in online purchases, and they can vary widely depending on the retailer, the shipping method, and the destination. Understanding these costs is essential for making informed purchasing decisions and comparing prices across different vendors. Many online retailers offer free shipping for orders above a certain amount, which can be a significant incentive for customers. Glenda's shipping cost of $10.99, based on our hypothetical table, adds to the overall expense of her purchase, highlighting the importance of considering shipping fees when budgeting for online shopping.
The calculation of shipping charges often involves factors such as the weight and dimensions of the package, the distance it needs to travel, and the speed of delivery. Retailers may offer a range of shipping options, from standard ground shipping to expedited air delivery, each with its corresponding cost. Consumers can choose the option that best suits their needs and budget. Transparency in shipping costs is crucial for building customer trust and ensuring a positive online shopping experience. Retailers who clearly communicate their shipping policies and provide accurate cost estimates are more likely to retain customers and foster long-term relationships. The shipping cost is an integral part of the final purchase price, and its calculation is a key consideration for online shoppers.
Calculating the Grand Total
Finally, to calculate the grand total, we'll add the total purchase price before tax and shipping, the sales tax, and the shipping cost:
$75.36 (purchase price) + $4.90 (sales tax) + $10.99 (shipping) = $91.25
Therefore, Glenda's grand total for her online purchase is $91.25. This is the final amount Glenda will pay for her picture frames and mats, including all associated costs. Understanding the breakdown of this total—from the initial item costs to the added expenses of tax and shipping—provides a clear picture of Glenda's spending. The $91.25 represents a complete overview of the financial commitment involved in this online purchase. It allows Glenda to accurately reconcile her expenses and ensure that she has budgeted appropriately for her home decor project.
This grand total underscores the importance of considering all costs associated with online shopping, not just the price of the items themselves. Sales tax and shipping fees can significantly increase the overall expense, and it's crucial to factor them into the budgeting process. Glenda's purchase provides a practical example of how these costs accumulate and contribute to the final amount. By calculating the grand total, Glenda gains a comprehensive understanding of her financial outlay and can make informed decisions about her future online purchases. This level of financial awareness is essential for responsible online shopping and effective budget management.
