For this case we can make the following rule of three:
12.50 ----> 40%
x ----------> 100%
Clearing x we have:
x = (100/40) * (12.50)
x = $ 31.25 (original price, without the discount)
Therefore, the discounted amount is:
(0.60) * (31.25) = 18.75 $
Answer:
The original price of the shorts is:
$ 31.25
the amount of the discount:
$ 18.75