I assume this is meant to be worded and solved similarly: "If the cost increases by 30%, and is now 82.70, what was the original cost?" If it's like that then here's how you do it: 82.70*.3=24.81 82.70-24.81=57.89 You get 30% of 82.70 and then subtract that from the whole to see what it was before the increase. ANSWER: 57.89