SOLUTION: I need help with this problem: "Translate the following problems in algebraic equations. It is not required that you solve the equations, simply translate them." "A woman bu

Question 109748: I need help with this problem:
"Translate the following problems in algebraic equations. It is not required that you solve the equations, simply translate them."
"A woman buys 3 pairs of jeans for $99.84, including tax. If each pair of jeans cost $32, what was the sales tax rate?"
I can't seem to fit this into one equation. So far I have two equations with "x" being the total tax, and "y" being the sales tax rate or percent.
(3 * 32) + x = 99.84
x = $3.84
3.84/3 * 32 = y
y = .04 or 4%

I'm sure I need this all in one equation. I just don't know how to get there!
Jessica
Found 2 solutions by scott8148, josmiceli:
Answer by scott8148(6628) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
your first equation is on the right track ... you have all the information in it that you need

the sales tax is anything over the price (3*32) ... the tax rate is the tax divided by the price

let x=rate ... x=(99.84-(3*32))/(3*32)
Answer by josmiceli(19441) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
In words,
(item price with tax) = (item price before tax) + (item price before tax x tax rate)
note that you don't need the amount of the tax in this equation,
just the tax rate
also (item price with tax) = (total purchase price / # of items)
this is the answer

So the tax rate is 4%
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