Question

Sue purchased a dress that was marked 25% off. She paid $60 for the dress. What was the original price? I know it is $80, but how do you get there.

Answer 1

Since it was 25% off, she paid 75% of the original price.

75% = 0.75

$60 = 0.75 times the original price

Divide each side by 0.75 :

The original price= $60 / 0.75 = $80

Answer 2

25% = 0.25

let x represent the original cost of the dress

x - 0.25x = 60

combine like terms

0.75x = 60

divide both sides by 0.75

x = 80