Question

After spending $3,450 for tables and $3,950 for chairs, a convention center manager finds that the total is 4% more than he spent on tables and chairs last year. To the nearest dollar, find the amount that he spent last year.

Answer 1

The amount that the Convention Manager spent last year on chairs would be $3792.00. $3950.00 x 4% is $158.00 minus $3950.00 is $3792.00.
Hope it helps.

Answer 2

We are given with two current costs : $3,450 for tables and $3,950 for chairs .The total cost then is equal to $7,400. This is said to be 4% more than he spent  last year. so last year's expenses should be  $7,400 / 1.04 equal to $7115.39. The cost last year is expected to be less