Question

A customer bought a clock for $$\$ 27.50$$, which included a \(10 \%\) sales tax. What was the price of the clock before tax? A) $$\$ 2.75$$ B) $$\$ 25.00$$ C) $$\$ 30.25$$ D) $$\$ 30.56$$ $$ \begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline \text { List } \mathrm{X} & \text { List } \mathrm{Y} \\ \hline 5 & 9 \\ \hline 8 & 10 \\ \hline 13 & 11 \\ \hline 13 & 15 \\ \hline 15 & 19 \\ \hline 18 & 20 \\ \hline \end{array} $$

Short answer

The original price of the clock before tax is \(\$25.00\), which is answer choice B.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the price paid including tax

The price paid for the clock, including tax, is given to be \$27.50.

Define the equation to determine pre-tax price

Let the original price of the clock be x. Price with tax can be calculated as the original price plus 10% of the original price. So, the equation will be: \[x + 0.10x = \$27.50\]

Simplify the equation

Combine the terms: \[1.10x = \$27.50\]

Solve for x

Divide both sides by 1.10 to get the value of x: \[x = \frac{\$27.50}{1.10}\]

Calculate the original price

Plug the given value in the equation to get the original price: \[x = \frac{\$27.50}{1.10} = \$25.00\]

Check answer and interpret result

The original price of the clock before tax is \$25.00, which is answer choice B.