In a city, the water company increased the monthly water bill by $8\%$. The initial monthly cost is $\$54$. What is the cost after the increase?

• A. \$58.32
• B. \$4.32
• C. \$59.52
• D. \$62.00

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the original monthly water bill amount, which is \$54.
2. Convert the percentage increase to a decimal by dividing 8% by 100, so 8% becomes 0.08.
3. Calculate the amount of the increase by multiplying the original bill by the decimal increase: \(54 \times 0.08\).
4. Add the increase amount to the original bill to find the new total cost: \(54 + (54 \times 0.08)\).
5. Express the final answer as the new monthly water bill after the 8% increase.