Question

Zoe paid $18.60 in sales tax and tips for her dinner. The sales tax rate is 11%, and she tipped 20%. (The sales tax does not apply to the tip, and the tip is based on the price of the dinner before sales tax.)

What was the price of Zoe's dinner, before sales tax and tip?

Answer 1

Answer: $60

Since both the sales tax and the tip apply to the original price of the dinner, we can add the two rates.

11% + 20% = 31%

Next we need to find what number 18.60 is 31% of.

Since percent means per hundred 31% is equal to .31.

Now we need to now what number times .31 + 18.60

Divide both sides by .31.

The .31 will be cancelled out and $18.60 will become $60.

$18.60 is 31% of $60

Explanation: