Question

which statement below accurately describes hopes gross wages?
gross wages are calculated by multiplying hopes hourly rate by the number of hours she worked
gross wages are hopes fixed salary, which she receives for every pay period
gross wages are calculated by subtracting all of hopes deductions from her gross income
gross wages are how much hope has earned over the course of the entire year
what is the largest deduction for this pay period?
fica medicare tax
fica social security tax
federal tax
nc state tax

Explanation:

First Question (Which statement...):

• For the first option: Gross wages for an hourly worker are calculated as hourly rate × hours worked.
• Second option: Fixed salary is a different concept (salaried vs. hourly), so this is incorrect.
• Third option: Subtracting deductions from gross income gives net income, not gross wages.
• Fourth option: Gross wages for a pay period (not annual) for hourly workers follow the rate×hours formula. So the first option is correct.

• FICA Medicare Tax: Small percentage (1.45% of gross), low amount.
• FICA Social Security Tax: 6.2% but capped, often less than Federal Tax for moderate/high incomes.
• Federal Tax: Progressive, often the largest deduction for many taxpayers.
• NC State Tax: State tax rates are lower than Federal for most, so smaller. Thus, Federal Tax is the largest.

Answer:

A. Gross wages are calculated by multiplying Hope's hourly rate by the number of hours she worked

Second Question (What is the largest...):

(Note: Typically, Federal Tax deductions are often larger than FICA Medicare, FICA Social Security, or state tax deductions for many income levels, especially in the US tax system. Assuming standard deduction amounts: Federal Tax is usually the largest among these options for most earners.)