Final answer:
To find the original price of the dress after two reductions, we can work backwards from the final price of $18. The original price can be represented by x. Using the information provided, we can set up an equation and solve for x to find the original price of $32.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the original price of the dress, we need to work backwards from the final price of $18 after the two reductions. Let's assume the original price is x.
The price is first reduced by 25%, which can be expressed as 0.75x. Then, when the dress still doesn't sell, it is further reduced by 25% of the reduced price, which is 0.75(0.75x) = 0.5625x.
Setting the final price after both reductions equal to $18, we can solve the equation: 0.5625x = 18.
Dividing both sides by 0.5625, we find that x = $18 ÷ 0.5625 = $32.
Therefore, the original price of the dress was $32.