Question

The total cost of a compact disc, including a 6% sales tax, is $14.31.

What is the price before the tax?



$15.17
$13.50
$13.45
$13.44

Answer 1

let x = price before the tax

if you add on a 6% sales tax to some price x, then you're adding on 0.06x to x to get

Price without tax = x
Tax = 0.06x


Price with tax = x + 0.06x
Price with tax = 1.06x

Answer 2

we're told that the price with tax is $14.31

so

1.06x = 14.31

solve for x to get your answer