Question

WHY CAN'T ANYONE HELP ME? 1. In Michigan, the sales tax rate is 6%. Suppose that an item costs $50.88 including tax. How can we use algebra to find the price of the item before tax was added? What is the price before tax? Note: Using x = the price before tax, write an equation, and show solving steps to find x. (SOLVE AND CHECK) ($47.83 WON'T BE THE CORRECT ANSWER)

Answer 1

Answer: $48

Explanation:

From the question, we are told that in Michigan, the sales tax rate is 6% and that an item costs $50.88 including tax.

Let the cost of the item before tax be x. This means that x plus 6% of x equals to $50.88. This can be mathematically expressed as:

x + (6% of x) = $50.88

x + (6/100 × x) = $50.88

x + (0.06 × x) = $50.88

x + 0.06x = $50.88

1.06x = $50.88

When then divide by the coefficient of x

1.06x/1.06 = #50.88/1.06

x = $48

The price before the tax is $48