A word problem

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 8%, and the tax in the second city was 3.5%. The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was $327.50. How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax

Answer 1

Let x = the hotel charge in the first city

 

x - 500 = the hotel charge in the second city

 

.08x + .035(x - 500) = 327.50

 

80x + 35(x-500) = 327500

 

80x + 35x - 17500 = 327500

 

115x = 345000

 

x = $3000 in first city, $2500 in second city

 

A²