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.

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