France’s left a 12% tip on a meal including the tip its cost was $36.96. What was the cost of the meal before the tip

Answer 1

Let x = cost of the meal (without the tip).

Then:

x + 0.12x = 36.96

1.12x = 36.96

x = 36.96/1.12 = 33

So the meal cost $33.

Note that 12% of $33 is 0.12(33) = $3.96 (the tip).

And 33 + 3.96 = $36.96 (check)