Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

hanygeorge38 · Joined: 12 Jul 2003 Posts: 90 Location: egypt

hello

what is meant by the following phrase which i came
across while reading

(break down a dollar amount to its lowest option)

thanks
_________________
hany

bud · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US

Hi Hanygeorge38,

"Break down a dollar amount" has a meaning, but not with "to its lowest option" added onto it. It might make sense within a context, though, if you are able to provide it.

"Break down a dollar amount" - "A dollar amount" is a total (or subtotal) price. "To break down" an amount means to list the amount's components. If my accountant sends me a bill that says $500, I would ask her to break it down and resubmit the bill to me. I would want to see not only $500, but also something like this:

2003 tax return (3 hrs.) $300
2004 tax planning (1 hr.) 100
Filing Fee 25
Phone consultation (.75 hrs.) 75
----
Total Due $500

Hope that helps, but give us the context if you can.