A Word Problem That I Just Can't Figure Out! It has something to do with Percentage

Question

Michael just finished a great meal in a restaurant in Wisconsin. The sales tax in Wisconsin is 5% and it is customary to leave a tip of 15% for the waiter. The tip amount is calculated on the price of the meal before the tax is applied. Sales tax is not calculated on tips.

If Michael left $18 on the table to cover his meal, tax, and tip, what was the price of his meal before tax and tip?

Answer 1

Let x = price of meal alone

 

Then,

    [ x + (5%)x ]  or (1.05x) is the price of the meal with tax.

   [Note that 5% may be written as 5/100 or 0.05 as needed by the problem.]

 

   The tip is  (15/100)x  or  0.15x.

 

Michael left $18 to cover meal, tax, and tip.

   (1.05x) + (0.15x) = 18

    1.20x = 18

       x = 15

 

    The price of the meal alone was $15.

 

Check:

    With tax, the meal cost $15.75             [ 1.05*15 ]

    The tip was $2.25                           [ 0.15*15 ]

    The total was $18.            [ $15.75+$2.25 ]