How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax? The rest of the question is in the description!

Question

A theater group made appearances in two cities. The hotel charge before tax in the second city was $500 lower than in the first. The tax in the first city was 9.5% , and the tax in the second city was 7.5% . The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was $855 .

Answer 1

Total Hotel Charge = HotelA + HotelA1-500

 

$855 = HotelA * 9.5% + HotelA1-500 *7.5%

 

Using Excel Solver 

 

Hotel 1 = $5,250

Hotel 2 = $4,750  (difference of 500)

 

Taxes 1 = $5,250 * 9.5% = $498.75

Taxes 2 = $4,750 * 7.5% = $356.25

 

Total Taxes = $855.00