Final answer:
To calculate the total cost of the dinner, first, find the amount of the tip by multiplying the cost of the meal by 0.18. Then, add the cost of the meal and the tip to get the total cost of the dinner.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total cost of the dinner, we need to add the cost of the meal and the tip. Since the tip is 18% of the cost of the meal, we can find the amount of the tip by multiplying the cost of the meal by 0.18.
Tip Amount = $72 x 0.18 = $12.96
To find the total cost of the dinner, we add the cost of the meal and the tip.
Total Cost of Dinner = Cost of Meal + Tip Amount = $72 + $12.96 = $84.96