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A theater group made appearances in two cities.
The hotel charge before tax in the second city was $1000 lower than in the first.
The tax in the first city was 4%, and the tax in the second city was 9%.
The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was $397.50
How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax?
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x = how much the hotel charges in the first city before tax;
y = how much the hotel charges in the second city before tax.
From the problem, you have these two equations for unknown x and y
x - y = 1000 dollars
0.04x + 0.09y = 397.50 dollars
From first equation, express x = y + 1000 and substitute to the second equation. You will get
0.04*(y+1000) + 0.09y = 397.50
Simplify and find y
0.04y + 40 + 0.09y = 397.50
0.13y = 397.50 - 40
y = = 2750.
ANSWER. 2750+1000 = 3750 dollars in the first city and 2750 dollars in the second city.
Solved.
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The problem was copied/pasted from the screen; therefore, its formatting was really bad and unpleasant to see.
Please do not make your job this way: RESPECT the tutors (and respect yourself).