Brad's science class is heading to Skylight Observatory on a field trip. The observatory offers a group rate for students that is $4 less per person than the normal cost. There are 27 students in Brad's science class. His teacher called ahead and found that the total cost for the class will be $378. What is the normal cost per person?

Answer 1

Let X be the normal cost per person.
The group rate for each student is X - $4.
The total cost for the group rate is 27 * (X - $4).
The equation is 27(X - $4) = $378.
Multiplying through the parentheses produces 27X - $108 = $378.
Adding $108 to both sides of the equation produces 27X = $486.
Dividing both sides by 27 produces X = $486 / 27 = $<<18=18>>18.
The normal cost per person is $18. Answer: \boxed{18}.