The taxes were 40*.05=$<<40*.05=2>>2.

So the price was 40+2=$<<40+2=42>>42.

He got a discount so the price he paid was 42-8=$<<42-8=34>>34.

Since he paid half his price was 34/2=$<<34/2=17>>17.

# Answer

17
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Cody goes to the store and buys $40 worth of stuff.  The taxes were 5%.  After taxes, he got an $8 discount.  Cody and his friend split the final price equally. How much did Cody pay?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
17
Cody goes to the store and buys $40 worth of stuff.  The taxes were 5%.  After taxes, he got an $8 discount.  Cody and his friend split the final price equally. How much did Cody pay?
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