Question

Joyce paid $94.50 for an item at the store that was 55 percent off the original price. What was the original price?

Answer 1

$210

Explanation:

The original price of the item = 100%

If the item was reduced by 55%, then the discounted price of the item = 100% - 55% = 45%

Therefore, $94.50 = 45% of the original price.

45% = 45/100 as a ratio

Using ratios, and letting
`x` be the original price:

94.50/
`x` = 45/100

Cross multiply: 94.50 x 100 = 45 x
`x`

9450 = 45
`x`

Divide both sides by 45: 210 =
`x`

Therefore, the original price of the item was $210

Alternatively, divide 94.50 by 45 to get the cost per 1%. Then multiply this by 100 to get the original price (100%):

(94.50 ÷ 45) x 100 = 210