algebra problem

Question

The percentage method of withholding federal income tax(2010) states that a single person whose weekly wage, after subtracting withholding allowances, are over $693, but not over $1302, shall have $82.35 plus 25% of the excess $693 withheld. Over what range does the amount withheld vary if the weekly wages vary from $600 to $700 exclusively.

Answer 1

The range is from the tax amount for $600 to the tax amount for $700.

For $600 the tax amount is $0. So the range starts at 0.

For $700 the tax amount is $82.35 + 0.25(700 - 693), or $84.10.

The range is 0 to 84.10

Answer 2

There is no withholding until you earn over $693 per week.

Since the wages vary from $693-$700, you only have withholding for ≥ $694 to $700.

Then $82.35 plus 25% of the excess $693 withheld for $694 to $700,

which is $82.35 + 0.25($1) for $694 = $694.25

and is $82.35 + 0.25($7) for $700 = $784.10

Yes doing your taxes is sometimes so simple but the wording is not what you are use to in math problems.