1) The sales tax for the toilet paper is $0.17.
2) The price of the coat is $43.63 and the sales tax is $2.24.
Explanation:
1) Let the cost of the toilet paper be 'a'
Sales tax = 5.125%
Total cost = $3.50
Total cost = price+ 5.125% of price
3.50 = a + (5.125 x a/100)
3.50 = (100a + 5.125a) /100
350 = 105.125a
a = 350/105.125
a = $3.33
Sales tax = 3.50 - 3.33
= $0.17
The sales tax for the toilet paper is $0.17.
2)let the price of the coat be 'a'
cost of the coat = $45.87
Cost = a + 5.125% a
45.87 = a + (5.125/100) a
45.87 = ( 100a + 5.125a) /100
4587 = 105.125a
a = 4587/105.125
a = $43.63
Sales tax = 45.87 - 43.63
= $2.24
The price of the coat is $43.63 and the sales tax is $2.24