Final answer:
To find the total cost after the 9% discount, multiply the original cost by 0.91 (1 - 0.09). In this case, the original cost is $37, so the total cost would be $33.67.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the total cost after the 9% discount, we need to multiply the original cost by 0.91 (1 - 0.09).
In this case, the original cost is $37:
$37 x 0.91 = $33.67
Therefore, Joseph's total cost, after the discount and before tax, would be $33.67.