This is an example where division comes in.
If we had the hourly rate, instead of the total which we're given, we would need to multiply the hourly rate, R, by the number of hours, H, to get the total T. Written in an equation, this is
R * H = T.
We were given the T and the H, but not the R. We can solve this equation for R by dividing both sides by H, the number of hours. This gives
R * H / H = T / H,
or simplifying the left hand side (the H´s cancel), we get
R = T / H.
It's here we can "plug in" what we know, the (T)otal and the number of (H)ours. We get
R = $153.65 / 7 = $21.95
Performing the division can be done with several methods, but without a calculator, the long division algorithm is usually the best choice. See it below.
........21.95
7.....153.65
.......14
.........13.65
...........7
...........6.65
...........6.3
..............35
..............35
................0
