The Keller family's dinner bill is $55.35. This includes an 8% meal tax and a 15% tip on original meal for the server. What was the original cost of the meal?

They are charged $55.35 after being charged 8% tax and a 15% tip for the waiter

8% is 0.08 in decimal form, 15% is 0.15, 100% (original price) is just 1 so

(1+0.08+0.15) x=55.35

1.23x=55.35

x = $45 meal

1. Convert the percents to decimals (you can do this by dividing each # by 100);

8/100 =.08

15/100 =.15

2. First take off the 8%;

$55.35 *.08 = $4.43

3. Take off the 15% (still use the original bill amount);

$55.35 *.15 = $8.30

4. Add the $ together after find the rate for each percent.;

$4.43 + 8.30 = $12.73

5. Subtract the add rates from the bill;

$55.35 - $ 12.73 = $42.62 (answer)