Allam just finished a great meal at a restaurant in Wisconsin. The sales tax in Wisconsin is \( 5 \% \), and it is customary to leave a tip of \( 15 \% \) for the server. The tip amount is calculated on the price of the meal before the tax is applied. (Sales tax is not calculated on tips.) If Allam ordered a \( \$ 15 \) meal, how much money will he have to pay with tax and tip? \( \$ \)

First, let's calculate the sales tax on the meal. The sales tax is \( 5\% \) of the \( \$ 15 \) meal, which is calculated as: \[ \text{Sales Tax} = \$ 15 \times 0.05 = \$ 0.75. \] Next, we determine the tip amount based on the meal price before tax. The tip is \( 15\% \) of the \( \$ 15 \) meal: \[ \text{Tip} = \$ 15 \times 0.15 = \$ 2.25. \] Now, we add the cost of the meal, sales tax, and tip together to find the total amount Allam will pay: \[ \text{Total} = \$ 15 + \$ 0.75 + \$ 2.25 = \$ 18. \] Therefore, Allam will have to pay \( \$ 18 \).