Question

Sam is buying a pair of water skis that are on sale for 2/3 of the original price. After he uses a $25 gift certificate the total cost before taxes is $115. What is the original price of the skis?

Answer 1

$210

Explanation:

The first thing we can do is to add the $25 back on to the total cost.

25 + 115 = 140.

We do this because he Sam used a gift certificate on the ski's that are already 2/3 of the original price.

Now, to find the original price we can use this equation:

`(2)/(3) x = 140`

X represents the original price.

To solve this equation you would flip 2/3 to 3/2 and multiply that by 140, as seen below:

`((3)/(2)) (2)/(3)x = 140 ((3)/(2))`

Now you can solve:

`x = (420)/(2) \\x = 210`

We can check this answer by multiplying 210 by 2/3

(210)(2/3) = 140

Remember, Sam used a gift certificate for $25

140 - 25 = $115

Therefore, the original price of the skis is $210.

I hope this helps!!

- Kay :)