The Smiths spend 8% of their budget on entertainment. Their total budget this year is $3,000 more than last year, and this year they plan to spend $3,600 on entertainment. What was their total budget last year?

Their total budget was $42000 last year.

Step-by-step explanation:

8% = 0.08

1.) 0.08 (x + 3000) = 3600

2.) Distribute:

0.08x + 240 = 3600

3.) Use inverse operation to solve. Subtract 240 from each side:

0.08x + 240 = 3600

- 240 = - 240

0.08x = 3360

3.) divide 0.08 from each side:

0.08x = 3360

x = 42000