What is the expression for the total cost if the cost of an item is x and tax is 8%?

To determine the total cost of an item when the cost is represented by x and there is an 8% tax, we start by calculating the amount of tax on the item. The tax amount can be found by taking 8% of x, which is calculated as 0.08x.

Once we have the tax amount, we need to add it to the original price of the item (x) to find the total cost. This results in the following expression:

Total Cost = Original Price + Tax Amount = x + 0.08x

Now, we can combine the terms. The expression can be rewritten as:

Total Cost = x + 0.08x = 1x + 0.08x = (1 + 0.08)x = 1.08x.

Thus, the total cost can be succinctly expressed as 1.08x. This is why the correct answer is recognized as 1.08x, representing both the original price and the added tax.