Final answer:
By dividing the discounted price $16.80 by 0.80, we determine that the original price of the CD was $21.00 before the 20% discount was applied.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to determine the original price of a CD before a 20% discount was applied, with the given discounted price being $16.80. To solve this, we first recognize that 80% of the original price is equal to $16.80. We can represent the original price as 'P.'
The equation modeling the situation is: 0.80 * P = $16.80.
To find 'P,' the original price, divide both sides of the equation by 0.80:
P = $16.80 / 0.80
P = $21.00
Therefore, the original price of the CD was $21.00.