First, you have to add up the cost of each meal and drink:
12.50 + 12.50 + 1.50 + 1.50 = 28
$28 is the cost before the tip. Now multiple 28 by .18 to find the tip:
28 x .18 = 5.04
The tip was $5.04. Add the 28 and the 5.04 to get the total cost:
28 + 5.04 = 33.04
ANSWER:
The total cost was $33.04