You are ordering a meal and have $15 to spend . The restaurant charges 6% sales tax. You plan to leave a 15% tip . The equation C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x gives the total cost C of your meal , where x is the cost before tax and tip . What is the maximum amount you can spend before tax and tip .

I have more than 1 hour on this , help me please and try to explain it to me , don't just give me the answer . Thanks !

C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x

15 = 1.21x
15/1.21 = x
12.40 = x

Thank you so much Ms. Sue

Glad you are here for use ! God bless you

To find the maximum amount you can spend before tax and tip, we need to solve the equation C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x for x.

First, let's simplify the equation. Combine the x terms on the right side of the equation:

C = (1 + 0.06 + 0.15)x

Now, let's combine the decimals on the right side:

C = 1.21x

To solve for x, divide both sides of the equation by 1.21:

C/1.21 = x

Now, we can substitute the values we know into the equation. We have $15 to spend, so we substitute C with 15:

15/1.21 = x

To find the value of x, let's calculate the result of the division:

x ≈ 12.40

Therefore, the maximum amount you can spend before tax and tip is approximately $12.40.

To find the maximum amount you can spend before tax and tip, we need to solve the equation C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x, where C represents the total cost, x represents the cost before tax and tip.

Let's break down the equation:

C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x can be simplified to C = 1.21x.

The sales tax is 6%, which means the cost after tax will be 100% + 6% = 106% of the original cost. Therefore, the expression 0.06x represents the additional tax amount.

Similarly, the tip is 15%, so the cost after tip will be 100% + 15% = 115% of the original cost. Therefore, the expression 0.15x represents the additional tip amount.

Combining these three amounts, we get C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x = 1.21x.

To find the maximum amount you can spend before tax and tip, we need to reverse the equation and solve for x.

Dividing both sides of the equation by 1.21 gives us:

C/1.21 = x

Now, substitute the given values into the equation. We know that C = $15. Substituting this value for C:

$15/1.21 = x

Now, let's solve for x using a calculator:

x ≈ $12.40

So, the maximum amount you can spend before tax and tip is approximately $12.40.

To summarize the steps:

1. Start with the equation C = x + 0.06x + 0.15x.

2. Simplify the equation to C = 1.21x.

3. Substitute C = $15 into the equation.

4. Solve for x by dividing both sides of the equation by 1.21.

5. Use a calculator to find the value of x, which is approximately $12.40.