Question

Anna bought a sweater at 40% off the original price. If she paid $12, what was the original price of the sweater?

Answer 1

The original price of the sweater was $20.

In this problem, 40% is the amount of discount. We can subtract 40% from 100% because our original price will always be 100%

We can now change this problem to 12 is 60% of what number?

12 is 60% of X

Equation: Y = P% * X

Solving our equation for X

X = Y/P%

X = 12/60%

Converting percent to decimal:

P = 60%/100 = 0.6

X = 12/0.6

X = 20

Therefore, the original price of the sweater was $20

Answer 2

The original cost was 20 dollars.

Explanation:

$12 represents 60% of the original price.

Set up a proportion

• 60/100 = 12

• 100% = x

Cross multiply Reduce 100/100 to 1

60/100 * x = 12 * 100/100

Multiply by 100

60/ 100 * x = 12

Divide by 60

60x = 12*100

60x = 1200

60x/60 = 1200/60

x = 20 dollars.