A question about (Solving a tax rate or interest rate problem using a system of linear equations)

Question

A theater group made appearances in two cities. The hotel charge before tax in the second city was $1500

 lower than in the first. The tax in the first city was 6.5%

, and the tax in the second city was 7%

. The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was $637.50

. How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax?

Answer 1

.065X + .07(X-1500) = 637.50

.065X +.07X = 637.50 + 105 = 742.5

.135X = 742.5

X = 742.5/.135 = 5500

.X-1500 = 4000

costs before taxes were

$5,500 in first city and $4,000 in the 2nd city