A hardware store is offering 20 light bulbs at a total cost of $71.02, which includes a 6% sales tax.

**Before taxes, how much did a single light bulb cost?**

A.)

$3.55

B.)

$3.78

C.)

$2.09

D.)

$3.35

Let's break down the problem.

The total cost of 20 light bulbs, including a 6% sales tax, is $71.02. We need to find out how much a single light bulb cost **before** taxes were applied.

### Step 1: Determine the total cost **before** tax
Let $ P $ be the total price before tax. The relationship between the total price before tax and the total cost including tax can be expressed as:

\[
P + 0.06P = 71.02
\]

This can be simplified to:

\[
1.06P = 71.02
\]

### Step 2: Solve for $ P $
To find $ P $, divide both sides of the equation by 1.06:

\[
P = \frac{71.02}{1.06} \approx 67.00
\]

So, the total cost before tax is approximately $67.00.

### Step 3: Determine the cost per light bulb before tax
Now, divide the total price before tax by the number of light bulbs (20):

\[
\text{Cost per light bulb} = \frac{67.00}{20} = 3.35
\]

So, the cost per light bulb before tax is **$3.35**.

**Answer: D.) $3.35**

Would you like more details or have any questions?

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Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

1. What would be the cost per light bulb after tax if the tax rate was 10%?
2. How much would 10 light bulbs cost before taxes?
3. If the store offers a 10% discount before applying the tax, what would be the final price of 20 light bulbs?
4. What would the total cost including tax be if each light bulb was priced at $4.00 before tax?
5. How would the price of one light bulb change if the sales tax was increased to 8%?

**Tip:** When dealing with percentage increases or decreases, always determine the base amount first before applying the percentage.

Understand how to calculate the cost per light bulb before taxes in a hardware store deal. This problem involves arithmetic and percentage calculations. Learn the step-by-step solution and enhance your math skills. Suitable for Grades 6-8.

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