The sales tax rate for the state of Washington was \( 7.2 \% \). What is the state sales tax on a \( \$ 5,000 \) car in Washington? What is the final cost of the car, including tax? \( \$ \)

To calculate the state sales tax on a \( \$ 5,000 \) car in Washington, you multiply the price of the car by the sales tax rate. Sales Tax = \( 5,000 \times \frac{7.2}{100} = 5,000 \times 0.072 = \$360 \). Now, to find the final cost of the car including tax, simply add the sales tax to the original price: Final Cost = \( 5,000 + 360 = \$5,360 \). So, the sales tax is \( \$360 \) and the final cost of the car is \( \$5,360 \). --- Did you know that Washington has a unique history with sales tax? It was one of the first states to adopt a sales tax back in 1933 to boost revenue during the Great Depression! This innovative way of taxing purchases helped the state to weather financial challenges and continues to play a significant role in funding public services today. If you're ever calculating taxes, remember to double-check the current rate and any local taxes that may apply! Many cities have additional local taxes that can increase your final amount. Also, keep in mind that rounding errors can occur during calculations – always use a calculator for precision!