Question

A compact disc player cost £50 plus 17 1/2% VAT

Answer 1

Cost of the compact disc player = 50 pounds
Percentage of VAT = 17 1/2%
                               = 35/2%
Then
Amount of VAT that needs to be given = (35/2)% * 50
                                                             = (35/200) * 50
                                                             = 1750/200
                                                             = 8.75
So the amount of VAT that has to be given is 8.75 pound
Amount that needs to be paid for the compact disc = (50 + 8.75) pound
                                                                                   = 58.75 pound.
So the total amount that needs to be paid for the compact disc is 58.75 pounds

Answer 2

If you would like to know how much does the compact disc player cost, you can calculate this using the following steps:

17 1/2 = 35/2

17 1/2% of £50 = 35/2% * 50 = 35/2 / 100 * 50 = 35/200 * 50 = £8.75

£50 + £8.75 = £58.75

Result: The compact disc player costs £58.75.