10. A coat costs R228 before VAT is added. What is the cost of the coat, including \( 15 \% \) VAT? Round off your answer to the nearest rand.

To find the total cost of the coat including VAT, you first need to calculate the VAT amount. The VAT on R228 at 15% is \( R228 \times 0.15 = R34.2 \). Adding this to the original price gives you \( R228 + R34.2 = R262.2 \). Rounding to the nearest rand, the final cost of the coat is R262. You're navigating the world of taxation! Understanding VAT, or Value Added Tax, is essential in business and personal finance because it affects how much you pay for goods and services. Knowing how to calculate it is a useful skill, especially when shopping or budgeting for events. The VAT system varies across countries, and some regions have different rates or exemptions. For instance, in some places, necessities like food might be zero-rated to help with affordability. It’s fascinating to study how different governments implement these taxes and their impact on consumers!