Question

Jasmine paid $64.50 for a bracelet, after tax, and the tax rate is 7.5%. What was the original price of the bracelet?

Answer 1

60

Explanation:

First, change the percentage to a decimal and write the equivalence of the sales tax amount. Let x be the original cost of the item.

Sales tax amount =x⋅0.075

Next, substitute the value into the equation:

Original Cost + Sales Tax Amount = Total Cost

x+0.075x=64.50

Add like terms.

1.075x=64.50

Divide both sides by 1.075 to isolate the unknown value.

x=$60

Answer 2

About $59.66

Explanation:

To find the amount of tax was paid, multiply 64.50 by 0.075 (because 0.075 = 7.5%). This would be 4.8375, which when rounded is 4.84. You subtract 64.50 by 4.84 to get 59.66, but because I rounded, it is about $59.66.