How a Copy Machine Repairman Makes His Money

Ever scratch your head over how much someone really takes home at the end of the week? You know what? It’s a lot simpler than it looks, especially when it comes to jobs like a copy machine repairman. Let’s break down how he earns his bucks and why this matters to folks like you studying for the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test. Strap in because math can be fun when applied to real life!

First off, our repairman clocks in at $12.50 an hour. Not too shabby, right? But that’s just one part of the equation—and let’s be honest, we all love a good equation. Last week, he worked a solid 34 hours. So, if you're doing the math along with me, let’s figure this out.

Crunching the Numbers
Here’s the math: he worked 34 hours, and with that hourly wage, we multiply:

34 hours × $12.50/hour = $425.

Boom! Just from his hours alone, that’s $425. But hold your horses—there’s more! That’s just the starting line, folks.

Our industrious repairman also hustled through 6 service calls. For every call, he bags another $4. Yep, you heard that right. It’s the little things that add up, kind of like those pennies we forget to collect. So we can calculate his side income from those calls:

6 calls × $4/call = $24.

So far, he’s racked up $425 from the hours and $24 from the calls. And what do you think we do next? You're catching on, great job! Let’s add those together:

Total earnings = Earnings from hours worked + Earnings from service calls
Total earnings = $425 + $24 = $449.

Now that’s a decent weekly wage! $449 in his pocket, just like that. Picture him dreaming up that evening pizza or maybe even saving up for that trip to somewhere sunny.

Staying Sharp with Cognitive Tests
Now, why does this little breakdown matter? This isn't just about earning—it’s about understanding, folks! The Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test isn’t just a test; it’s a window into how you solve problems, analyze data, and think critically. Just like calculating our repairman’s earnings, you’ll need those same skills.

Math might seem tedious, but it pops up everywhere—from budgeting your savings to figuring out what you can afford when you grab a coffee. It’s all part of the cognitive skills being measured. So, as you prep for the test, think about real situations just like this one.

Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about confidence. The more you practice, the better you'll understand how math shows up in the everyday world. So remember, next time you're faced with a math question, think of our repairman and his $449 paycheck. It’s proof that numbers have stories to tell—stories about hard work, problem-solving, and earning what you deserve.