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Expert: Josh - 3/30/2009


Question
If nett total is $900.00 inluding 10% GST, how can I find out what the gross total was?

Answer
Hi Joanne

It's good hearing from an Aussie. The total cost is 1.1 times the original cost of the item. If we let X be the cost of the item before the GST, then 900 = 1.1*X. Dividing 900 by 1.1, the cost before the GST comes to $818.18.

Isn't it interesting that the total cost including the GST always amounts to a nice rounded figure. The item probably costs only 800 bucks. Instead of charging $880, which actually reflects 10% GST, those who are generous would probably round it up to $900 on the final price tag. Feeling the pinch, worry about the rising cost of public transport? Now you know why.

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Josh

Expertise

When I work through problems, I like to emphasize concepts which I believe are worth noting. I will try to answer questions in the following areas, but not at the advanced level. Algebra. Sequences & Series. Trigonometry. Functions & Graphs. Coordinate Geometry. Quadratic Polynomials. Exponential & Logarithms. Basic Calculus. Probability, Permutation and Combination. Mathematical Induction. Complex numbers. Physics problems.

Experience

I have worked as a teaching assistant in college. My hope is that more people will share knowledge without boundary, give help without seeking recognition or monetary rewards.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor degree in Engineering Science

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