Question

This year, bailey middle school had a 10 % decrease in the number of students enrolled compared to last year. if the number of students enrolled this year is 720​ students, how many students were enrolled last year?

Answer 1

By calculating the original number based on the decreased value representing 90%, we found that before a 10% decrease to 720 students this year, 800 students were enrolled at Bailey Middle School last year.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the number of students enrolled at Bailey Middle School last year before a 10% decrease, we must find the original number before the decrease. If the current number of students is 720 after a 10% decrease, this represents 90% of last year's enrollment (since 100% - 10% = 90%).

To find the original number of students (100%), we divide the current number of students (90%) by 90 and then multiply by 100. Mathematically, you would set up the equation as follows:

• Let x be the number of students last year.
• 720 = 0.90x (since 720 is 90% of last year's number).
• To find x, divide both sides of the equation by 0.90: x = 720 / 0.90.
• x = 800.

Therefore, last year 800 students were enrolled at Bailey Middle School.