SOLUTION: The cost of 4 pillows, plus 5% sales tax, was 46.20. How much did each pillow cost? if possible i need it to be step by step on how to do this problem so i will understand h

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Question 218928: The cost of 4 pillows, plus 5% sales tax, was 46.20. How much did each pillow cost?

if possible i need it to be step by step on how to do this problem so i will understand how to do it??
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, RAY100:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = original cost of 4 pillows (ie cost without sales tax added)

Since 5% of the original cost 'x' is , this means that the sales tax is dollars. Add this to the original cost 'x' to get and set that expression equal to the final cost $46.20 to get

If you are stumped on any part of the explanation above, go over it again. If you are still stuck on the translation, then feel free to ask me. It's very important to know how to translate word problems into algebraic ones.

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Now let's solve for 'x':

Start with the previous equation.

Combine like terms.

Divide both sides by 1.05 to isolate 'x'.

Divide.

Since and we let x=original cost of 4 pillows, this means that 4 pillows cost $44 without sales tax.

Now just divide that last figure by 4 (since there are 4 pillows) to find the individual cost per pillow:

So each pillow costs $11.

Answer by RAY100(1637) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let p = cost of one pillow
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Total cost = 4*p + (4p*.05) = $ 46.20
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4p + .2p = 46.20
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4.2 p =46.20
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p= $11,,,,,answer
.
alternate solution,,,1.05 *4p = 46.20
.
p= $ 11
.
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note increases in cost, like tip or taxes, use 1+ increase
.
for decreases in cost, like discounts, use 1- decrease
.
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check...46.20/44 = 1.05,,,or 5% increase,,,ok
.