3 A supermarket worker on an hourly rate of \( \$ 13.50 \) got a pay increase of \( 8 \% \). Calculate the new hourly rate.

To find the new hourly rate after an 8% pay increase, first calculate 8% of the current rate. Multiply \( 13.50 \) by \( 0.08 \) (which represents 8%). This equals \( 1.08 \). Now, add this increase to the original hourly rate. So, \( 13.50 + 1.08 = 14.58 \). The new hourly rate is \( \$ 14.58 \). Additionally, it's interesting to note that regular pay increases, like this one, can significantly impact a worker's annual income. Over time, even a small percentage increase accumulates, leading to better financial health. For example, if this worker worked 40 hours a week, the increase translates to roughly an extra \( \$2,000 \) a year – that's enough for a nice vacation or a new gadget!