Question

Each month the stock decreased in value.

On January 1 it was worth $8,474.

On March 1 it was worth $3,323.

During February it decreased by $1,621.

During January it decreased by $_____.

Answer 1

During January it decreased by $3,530.

Explanation:

Given data:

Value of stocks in January 1st = $8,474

Value of stocks on March 1st = $3,323

Decrease value during February = $1,621

To find the decrease value during January.

Solution:

Let the decrease value in dollars during January be =
`x`

So, value of stocks in dollars on 1st February will be =
`8474-x`

So, value of stocks in dollars on 1st March will be =
`8474-x-1621`

So, we have

`8474-x-1621=3323`

`6853-x=3323`

Subtracting both sides by 6853.

`6853-x-6853=3323-6853`

`-x=-3530`

Multiplying both sides by -1.

∴
`x=3530`

Thus, during January it decreased by $3,530.