Question

Tim bought a washing machine for a total of $651 with tax included. What was the price of the washing machine before tax if Tim lives in an area with an 8.5% sales tax rate?

Answer 1

The washing machine cost $600 before tax

Explanation:

Percentages

The washing machine cost $651 including a tax of 8.5%.

If x was the cost of the washing machine before tax, then the tax was:

x*8.5/100 = 0.085x

It was added to the original price:

x + 0.085x = 1.085x

That is the final price, thus

1.085x=$651

Solving:

x = $651/1.085

x = $600

The washing machine cost $600 before tax