Sebastian bought a meal at a restaurant
and left a 15% tip. With the tip, he paid
exactly $35.42. How much did the meal cost without the tip?
Pick
A) $28.98  B) $29.91  C) $30.15  D) $30.60  E) $30.80
The tip is a percent increase of 15%, which is 115%. Let x equal the price before the tip.   Thus, 115% of this price equals $35.42:   1.15x = 35.42   Divide both sides by 1.15:=&gt;x=35.42/1.15= 
<gadget id="calculator">35.42/1.15</gadget>
<output>30.8</output>
30.80   correct answer $30.80)$30.80
<result>E</result>
Sebastian bought a meal at a restaurant
and left a 15% tip. With the tip, he paid
exactly $35.42. How much did the meal cost without the tip?