Question

This year, a small business had a total revenue of 23,800. If this is 15% less than their total revenue the previous year, what was their total revenue the previous year?

Answer 1

$28,000

Explanation:

Let x represent their total revenue the previous year. We can use this to set up an equation.

Total Revenue - 15% Total Revenue = 23,800

x - 15%x = 23,800

We can also represent x as 100%x, giving us:

100%x - 15%x = 23,800

85%x = 23,800

Solving the Equation

Percentages can also be represented as fractions. To convert a percentage into a fraction, you place the number percentage over 100. So...

`(85)/(100)x=23,800` Simplify the fraction

`(17)/(20)x=23,800` Multiply both sides by 20

`17x = 476,000` Divide both sides by 17

`x = 28,000`

Therefore their total revenue the previous year was $28,000.