Calculating Total Earnings for Oilers and Plant Tenders

What will be the total earnings of an oiler who earns $1800 in the first half of the year and receives a 10% raise for the second half?

• A. $3500
• B. $3600
• C. $3780
• D. $4000

Answer: (C)

To calculate the total earnings of the oiler for the year, we start with the first half of the year where the oiler earns $1800. For the second half of the year, a 10% raise is applied to this amount. To find the second half earnings, we first calculate the raise: 10% of $1800 is calculated as follows: 10/100 × 1800 = $180. Now, we add this raise to the original salary for the first half of the year to find the total earnings for the second half: $1800 + $180 = $1980. Finally, we combine the earnings from both halves of the year: $1800 (first half) + $1980 (second half) = $3780. Thus, the total earnings of the oiler for the year is $3780, confirming the correctness of the answer provided.

Calculating earnings isn't just for accountants or financial whizzes; it’s a skill you'll need in fields like oil and plant tending, especially if you're prepping for a civil service exam. Let’s lay out the foundations of salary calculations and even throw a little math into the mix. You might be surprised how practical and essential this knowledge can be, right?

Imagine you’re an oiler. For the first half of the year, you pull in $1800. That’s a solid start, no doubt. But what happens when you get a 10% raise for the second half of the year? That's when things get a little interesting. It seems straightforward, but let’s break it down step by step to ensure we don’t miss anything.

First off, that $1800 you earned in the initial six months is just the beginning. For the second half, here’s where our math skills come into play. To figure out your raise, you’ll need to calculate 10% of those first six months' earnings. So how do you do that? You might be wondering, “Isn’t that complicated?” Not at all! The math is simpler than you think.

You take the 10% figure — which is just 10 divided by 100, a familiar percentage move — and multiply it by your earnings of $1800. So, 10/100 times $1800 equals… $180! That’s right, your raise is $180. Now, what’s next? You're now ready to see your total earnings for the entire year, and let's be honest, that’s exciting, isn’t it?

Now, just add that raise to your original earnings. That equals a whopping $1980 for the second half of the year. Pretty neat, right? So now we take our earnings from the first half ($1800) and add it to those dollars from the second half ($1980). The grand total? Drumroll, please... it's $3780!

So when you're getting ready for the Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam, keep this calculation in your back pocket. You never know when a similar equation might pop up!

This wasn’t just a number-crunching exercise; it’s a window into the financial side of being an oiler or plant tender! The understanding of salary calculations can make you more confident when negotiating your pay or planning your finances. Who wouldn’t feel empowered knowing they can effectively manage and project their earnings?

In conclusion, math doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, when it connects to real-life scenarios like job salaries and raises, it can be something that feels oddly satisfying. Remember, those figures translate into hard work and effort — and knowing how to crunch them can only enhance your readiness for your civil service exam! So go on, tackle those practice questions, and watch your confidence soar!