Question

I need to make $500 per week after tax in order to pay all my bills. The income tax is 20%. What is the smallest pre-tax weekly salary I can earn and still be able to pay my bills after I pay my income tax?

Answer 1

let x be the amount I need to earn pre-tax.

Set up an inequality:

x - 0.2x >= 500

0.8x >=500

x>= 500/0.8

x>=625

I must earn at least $625 (or more) per week before tax to pay my bills.