The price of a brick today is 49¢. This is 3¢ less than 4 times the price 20 years ago. What was the price 20 years ago?

1 Answer
Mar 28, 2016

#x=13#

Explanation:

Let #y# equal the price today.
Let #x# equal the price 20 years ago.
The following equations are based upon the two statements above.
#y=49#
#4x-3=y#
Substitute #y# in the second equation.
#4x-3=49#
Solve for #x#
Add #3# to each side.
#4xcancel(-3+3)=49+3#
#4x=52#
Divide each side by #4#.
#(4x)/4=52/4#
#x=13#