Question

linear equations
word problem on proportions: problem type 1
there is a sales tax of $5 on an item that costs $63 before tax. a second item costs $50.40 before tax. what is the sales tax on the second item?

Explanation:

Step1: Find the tax rate

Let the tax rate be \( r \). We know that tax = cost before tax \( \times r \). For the first item, \( 5 = 63 \times r \), so \( r=\frac{5}{63} \).

Step2: Calculate tax for the second item

The cost before tax for the second item is \( 50.40 \). So tax = \( 50.40\times\frac{5}{63} \). Calculate \( 50.40\div63 = 0.8 \), then \( 0.8\times5 = 4 \).

Answer:

\( 4 \)