The total cost of purchasing from a mailorder catalog, y, is a function of the cost of the items purchased, x. In addition there is a fixed shipping charge of 2.75 per order, and sales tax is 8%. Write an equation that shows the relationship between the quantities. I have problems with standard story problems. HELP.

Would it be .08x + 2.75=0

In California, they charge sales tax on the shipping charge. This has always annoyed me and seems unfair. I don't know if all states do that.

If they do, the total cost is 1.08(x + 2.75)

To write an equation that shows the relationship between the quantities, let's break down the costs involved in purchasing from a mailorder catalog:

1. Cost of the items purchased, x: This is the variable representing the cost of the items you are buying.

2. Fixed shipping charge, $2.75 per order: This is a fixed amount that is added to the total cost, regardless of the cost of the items. It does not depend on the variable x.

3. Sales tax, 8%: This is a percentage of the cost of the items that needs to be added to the total cost. It is calculated as 8% of x.

Based on these details, we can set up the equation:

Total Cost (y) = Cost of the items (x) + Fixed Shipping Charge + Sales Tax

In mathematical terms, this can be written as:

y = x + 2.75 + 0.08x

Simplifying the equation, we can combine like terms:

y = 1.08x + 2.75

So, the correct equation that represents the relationship between the quantities is:

y = 1.08x + 2.75