Problem 35

Question

Including \(8 \%\) sales tax, an inn charges \(\$ 162\) per night. Find the inn's nightly cost before the tax is added.

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The inn's nightly cost before the tax is added is \$150.
1Step 1: Identify the variables
Let's denote the original price of the inn's nightly cost as \( X \). The price after tax is \(\$162\), and the rate of sales tax is \(8\%\).
2Step 2: Apply the percentage increase formula
Since the final price \(\$162\) is the result of a \(8\%\) increase to the original price, it can be written as \(X + 0.08*X = 162\).
3Step 3: Simplify the equation and solve for X
When you add like terms this equation simplifies to \(1.08X = 162\). Solve for \(X\) by dividing both sides by \(1.08\). So, \(X = 162 / 1.08 = 150\).