Ajacket usually sells for $55.00. if the jacket is 30% off, and sales tax is 7%, what is the total price of the jacket, including tax?

$ 30%=.3 -> .3•55=16.55-> 55-16.55=38.5-> 38.5•0.07= 2.695-> 38.5+(because its taxed on)2.695=$41.195

If you understand the concept, it would be very easy for you!

1.) First, convert the 30% to a real mathematical number (decimal) So it would be 0.30. 
2.) Find out what 30% of $55 is. This is the amount of the sale discount. 

0.30 * $55 = $16.50 This is the cost off, not the final cost.

3.) Then, just minus the cost off from the usual price. $55.00 - $16.50 = $38.50

4. But not done yet! We still have to find the sales tax. 7% is still not a mathematical number, so convert it to a decimal. 7% = 0.07

5.) Now, multiply the 0.07 by the discount price. 0.07 * 38.50 = 2.695. That is not the total, obviously, but it is the tax bill.

6.) Simply add the tax bill to the discounted. So it is 2.695 + 38.50, which gives you the final answer!!

7.) You got $41.195, correct? But we have to round it. 

ANSWER: $41.20

Both Jared and Nicole are correct. You can solve for either variable and use the equivalent expression to create a one-variable equation. Then you can solve. Jared would have created a one-variable equation that can be used to solve for x, whereas Nicole would have created a one-variable equation that can be used to solve for y.