Alright, lets get started.
Suppose women had to pay x $ at regular price.
As we know, the sale is 1/4 off.
It means she saves x * 1/4 = x/4
So, women need to pay = regular price - what she saves
women need to pay = x - x/4 = 3 x / 4 that is equal to 42 (given in question)
3x / 4 = 42
Multiplying 4 in both sides.
3x / 4 * 4 = 42 * 4
3 x = 168
Dividing 3 in both sides
3 x / 3 = 168/ 3
x = 56
she have had to pay 56 $ at the regular price : Answer
Hope it will help :)