A theater group made appearances in two cities. The hotel charge before tax in the second city was $1000 lower than in the first. The tax the first city was 7.5%, and the tax in the second city was 8.5%. The total hotel tax paid for the two cities was $595. How much was the hotel charge in each city before tax?​

Let x = the charge in 1st city before taxes

Let y = the charge in 2nd city before taxes

Set up equation before taxes.

y = x - 1500        eq1

Set up equation for total tax paid.

0.065x + 0.06y = 378.75         eq2

Substitute eq1 into eq2.

0.065x + 0.06(x - 1500) = 378.75

0.065x + 0.06x - 90 = 378.75

0.125x - 90 = 378.75

0.125x = 468.75

       x = 3750

Substitute this value of x into eq1.

y = 3750 - 1500

y = 2250

The hotel charge in city one is $3750 and the hotel charge in city two is $2250