Sam paid $60 for a gift. I fthis includes a 4% sales tax on the gift and an $8 shipping charge, what is the original cost of the gift?

Question

Please answer this question ASAP!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

The original cost is the cost before the taxes and charges are added.  This means that the original cost is less than what Sam paid for.  When all of this is added up, he gets a total charge of $60.

 

Let x = original cost of the gift

 

 

To get the sales tax, we multiply the rate by the original cost.  Then we add the sales tax to the original cost.  That is  the cost after taxes.  Then we add 8 extra dollars for the shipping.

 

We can write an equation that represents this.

 

x + 0.04x + 8 = 60

 

Solve for x.

 

 

1.04x + 8 = 60

 

1.04x = 52

 

      x = 50

 

The original cost of the gift is $50.

 

Answer 2

Danna, let's do this!

 

First, we have to subtract the $8 away, so our cost is $52.  

 

We have to take the original cost and then add 4% of the original cost, which totals $52. How do we write 4% as a decimal? .04, right?

 

If we let x = the original cost, this means that x + .04x = $52

 

Combining like terms, we get 1.04x = $52

 

Dividing both sides by 1.04, we get x = $50.

 

So, the original cost is $50. Hope this helps!