Question

The final cost of a book store purchase with a $5 coupon in a state that charges 8% sales tax is given by the expression 1.08(x-5). The variable x represents the amount of the purchase before the sales tax and the coupon is applied. What does (x-5) represent?
A)the rate at which the total cost increases
B) the total charge after tax
C) the cost before applying the coupon
D) the total charge before applying sales tax

Answer 1

We are given an expression : 1.08(x-5).

Given that sales tax = 8%

And a discount coupon = $5.

The variable x represents the amount of the purchase before the sales tax and the coupon is applied.

So, the cost after applying coupon of $5 in original cost $x would be (x-5).

Therefore,  (x-5) represent D) the total charge before applying sales tax.