Question

If we increase a number by 15%, then

we get 494.5 as our answer.
This means that 494.5 is 115% of the
original number.
What is the original number?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

the question tells us almost everything already what has to be done.

the only ending problem is really : how to turn 115 into 100 ?

because it is the same way to turn 115% into 100%.

the answer is simple :

115 / 115 is 1.

multiplying 1 by 100 is 100

1 × 100 = 100

therefore, when combining this

115 / 115 × 100 = 115 × 100/115 = 115/1.15 = 100

so,

115%/1.15 = 100%

494.5/1.15 = 430 = 100% = the original number

Answer 2

The original number is approximately 430.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's assume the original number is x.

If we increase x by 15%, we get the equation:

x + (15/100)x = 494.5

Simplifying the equation:

(115/100)x = 494.5

Dividing both sides by (115/100):

x = 494.5 * (100/115)

x ≈ 430

Therefore, the original number is approximately 430.