To determine the average monthly water payment over the period of three months, follow these steps:
1. List the water expenses for each month:
- May: \[tex]$20.00
- June: \$[/tex]38.00
- July: \[tex]$27.00
2. Calculate the total water expenditure over the three months:
\[
\text{Total water expenditure} = 20.00 + 38.00 + 27.00 = 85.00
\]
3. Calculate the average monthly water payment:
\[
\text{Average monthly water payment} = \frac{\text{Total water expenditure}}{3} = \frac{85.00}{3} \approx 28.333333333333332
\]
4. Round this result to the nearest cent:
\[
\text{Average monthly water payment (rounded)} = 28.33
\]
Thus, the average monthly water payment is \( \$[/tex]28.33 \), rounded to the nearest cent.
