Yolanta got $2.72 in change from a $20 music store gift certificate. She paid 8% in tax. What did she spend before tax?

1 Answer
Apr 30, 2018

Yolanda spent $16 before tax.

Explanation:

This sort of thing used to stump me too, back in Algebra I.

Take a look at your givens. You know she paid an #8%# tax, and through subtraction, you know she spent a total of #$17.28#

Let #x# be the money Yolanta spent before tax.

Here's a standard equation using #x# to show the cost before tax.

#x + 0.08x = $17.28#

Combine like terms.

#1x+0.08x=17.28#

#1.08x=17.28#

Divide both sides by #x#'s coefficient

#17.28/1.08=x#

#x=16#