Sierra purchased a cell phone for $414.95. If the sales tax rate is 7 1/2%, what was the price of the cell phone before tax?

First, find 7.5% of 414.95 to find how much the tax was in dollars. Divide 7.5 by 100 to convert it into a whole number.

7.5% ⇒ 0.075

Now multiply 0.075 by 414.95.

0.075 * 414.95 = 31.12125, simplified that's 31.12

Subtract 31.12 from 414.95.

414.95 - 31.12 = 383.83

Answer:

The price of the cell phone before tax was $383.83.