Bob recently visited a computer toy store and spent a total of $126.00 which included 5% sales tax. What was the pre-tax cost of the items he purchased? (Hint - define pretax cost as "X" and solve for "X").

To find the pre-tax cost of the items Bob purchased, we can define the pre-tax cost as $ X $.

Since Bob spent a total of $126.00, which includes a 5% sales tax, we can set up the following equation:

\[
X + 0.05X = 126.00
\]

This equation represents the total cost, where $ X $ is the pre-tax cost, and $ 0.05X $ is the 5% sales tax. We can combine like terms on the left side:

\[
1.05X = 126.00
\]

Next, solve for $ X $ by dividing both sides by 1.05:

\[
X = \frac{126.00}{1.05} = 120.00
\]

So, the pre-tax cost of the items Bob purchased is **$120.00**.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:
1. How much was the actual sales tax that Bob paid?
2. If the sales tax were 8%, what would the pre-tax cost be?
3. What would be the total cost if Bob purchased items worth $200 pre-tax with a 5% sales tax?
4. How would the equation change if there were a discount applied before the sales tax?
5. What if Bob had a coupon for $10 off his pre-tax purchase? How would that affect the final amount?

**Tip:** Always remember to add or subtract the sales tax when working with final and pre-tax amounts in real-life situations.

Learn how to calculate the pre-tax cost of items from the total cost including a 5% sales tax. This problem involves solving a linear equation and applying percentage calculations. Suitable for students in Grades 6-8.

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation