Answer:
The original cost of the printer before adding the tax was $ 173.98
Step-by-step explanation:
Total cost of the color printer, including tax = $ 186.16
Tax rate = 7%
Original cost of the printer, before tax = x
For answering the question, let's use the Rule of Three Simple, this way:
Percentage Value
107% 186.16
100% x
x * 107 = 186.16 * 100
107x = 18,616
x = 18,616/107
x = 173.98
The original cost of the printer before adding the tax was $ 173.98