Question

A theater group made appearances in two cities. The hotel charge before tax in the second city was $1500 lower than in the first. The tax in the first city was 9.5% , and the tax in the second city was 10% . The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was 971.25

. How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax?

Answer 1

Answer: Let x = the charge in 1st city before taxes

Let y = the charge in 2nd city before taxes

Set up equation before taxes.

y = x - 1500 eq1

Set up equation for total tax paid.

0.065x + 0.06y = 378.75 eq2

Substitute eq1 into eq2.

0.065x + 0.06(x - 1500) = 378.75

0.065x + 0.06x - 90 = 378.75

0.125x - 90 = 378.75

0.125x = 468.75

x = 3750

Substitute this value of x into eq1.

y = 3750 - 1500

y = 2250

The hotel charge in city one is $3750 and the hotel charge in city two is $2250.

Explanation: