Answer: the order total before shipping and handling was $52
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x represent the total cost of the order before shipping and handling.
The mail order company charges 4 1/2% for shipping and handling on all orders. This means that the amount that the company would charge for an order worth $x is
4.5/100 × x = 0.045 × x = 0.045x
The total cost of the order would be
x + 0.045x = 1.045x
If the total for an order is $54.34, it means that
1.045x = 54.34
x = 54.34/1.045
x = $52
