Question

Set up an equation that can be used to solve the problem. Solve the equation and determine the desired value.

At a boating and sports​ store, the cost of renting a personal watercraft is $36.40 per half​ hour, which includes a ​4% sales tax. Determine the cost of a half hour rental before tax.

The equation is _____. The cost of a half hour rental is ​$____ per half hour.
​(Type an equation using x as the​ variable.)

Answer 1

Answer: $40

Explanation:

Given the following :

Total cost of renting a personal water craft = $36.40

Sales tax charged = 4%

Let the pretax cost = y

Therefore,

total cost = pretax cost + tax

$36.40 = y + 4% of y

$36.40 = y + 0.04y

$36.40 = 1.04y

y = $36.40 / 1.04

y = $40

Therefore, the rental cost of a personal watercraft for half an hour before tax is $40