When the tax on cigarettes was increased by 5%, the price of the certain pack became $5.60. What was the original price?

Answer 1

So, how to you increase an amount by 5%? You take 5% of that amount, add to the original amount and you have the new amount.

In this case we do not know the original amount/price, so let x = original amount.

Then 5% of x gives the amount of increase, add that onto the original amount, to get the new amount ($5.60).

The equation that models this situation:

x + .05x = 5.6

1.05x = 5.6.

Now how do you solve for x at this point? Divide both sides by 1.05.

So, x = 5.6/1.05. Likely you are allowed to use a calculator at this point.