<PRE><B>Question 1016573</B>
A theater group made appearances in two cities.
 The hotel charge before tax in the second city was $1500 lower than in the first.
 The tax in the first city was 8.5%, and the tax in the second city was 8%.
 The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was $457.50.
 How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax?
:
let a = hotel charge for the 1st city
The 2nd city was $1500 lower, therefore
(a-1500) = hotel charge for 2nd city
:
1st Hotel tax + 2nd Hotel tax = 457.50
 .085a + .08(a-1500) = 457.50
 .085a + .08a - 120 = 457.50
 .165a = 457.50 + 120
 .165a = 577.50
a = 577.50/.165
a = $3500 charge for the 1st hotel before tax
and
3500 - 1500 = $2000 charge for the 2nd hotel
:
:
Confirm this solution, find the actual tax on each, find their sum.
.085(3500) = 297.50
.08(2000)  = 160.00
---------------------
Total tax: 457.50</PRE>