This may seem kinda pathetic, but i'm totally brain dead about this. I've done this before but i can't get my head to kinda function. A Man works 38 hours a week and earns $17 an hour.
Last week he worked 3 hours overtime, and he was paid Time-and-a-half.
What's the basic equation that you would write to get this?

Time = $17.00/hr

TimeAndAHalf = $17.00/hr * 1.5 = $25.50/hr

TotalPay = Time*Hours + TimeAndAHalf*OvertimeHours

If you think about what time and a half means, you will be able to devise some kind of formula.
In regards to payroll, time is counted on an hourly basis, per 1 hour. So, half time would be 1/2 hour.
If for one hour the man gets paid $17, then in half of 1 hour he earns $17/2 = $8.50. In other words, $17 x 1/2 = $17/2 = $8.50.
So, 1+0.5 = 1.5, time and a half -> translates to $17 + $8.50 = $25.50.
That is why the equation works. $17 x 1.5 = $25.50.
I hope this helps you remember how to deliver a related answer on your exam.

Best of luck,
Yvonne

W = Total Wages

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