Question

PLEASE HELP!

Micheal just finished a great meal in Wisconsin. The sales tax in Wisconsin is 5%, and it is customary to leave a tip of 15% for the waiter. The tip amount is calculated on the price of the meal before the tax is implied. Sales tax is not calculated on tips.

IF MICHEAL LEFT $18 ON THE TABLE TO COVER HIS MEAL, TAX, AND TIP, WHAT WAS THE PRICE OF HIS MEAL ⭐BEFORE TAX AND TIP⭐?

Answer 1

Let x = cost of meal
0.05x = sales tax
0.15x = tip

x + 0.05x + 0.15x = 18
1.20x = 18
x = 15 (divide both sides by 1.20)
The price of the meal was $15 before the sales tax and tip.