Question 1201829
<font color=black size=3>
Answer: 
first hotel's price before tax = <font color=red>$5500</font>
second hotel's price before tax = <font color=red>$6000</font>



Work Shown:


x = first hotel price before tax
x+500 = second hotel price before tax


7% of x = 0.07x = tax amount for first hotel
8% of x+500 = 0.08(x+500) = 0.08x+40 = tax amount for second hotel


Combine the two tax amounts and we'll get $865
tax1 + tax2 = 865
(0.07x) + (0.08x+40) = 865
0.15x+40 = 865
0.15x = 865-40
0.15x = 825
x = <font color=red>5500</font>
then
x+500 = 5500+500 = <font color=red>6000</font>
</font>