Question #b2f8a

2 Answers
EZ as pi
Aug 18, 2017

Original price was $70

Explanation:

You can write an equation and solve it.

Let the original price be x
If a discount of 40% is given, it means a price of 60% was paid.

60% " of " x =42

60/100 xx x = 42

x = 42 xx100/60

x = $70

Or you can write a proportion, comparing the dollars with the percents.

x/42 = 100/60

x = (42xx100)/60

x = $70

Pop Quiz Whiz
Aug 18, 2017

The sweater originally cost $70.

Explanation:

First, let x=the original price of the sweater.
Then, write a statement.
We have a sale which is 40% off. By multiplying the original price by 60%, we effectively subtract 40% from the price.
Therefore: 60% of the original price is $42.
$42=x*60%
Substitute .6 for 60%.
$42=.6x
Then divide both sides by .6.
($42)/.6=(.6x)/.6
Simplifying, we find:
x=$42/.6=$70
The original price of the sweater before the sale was $70.

Related questions
Impact of this question
1170 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License