Question

Jessica's annual salary decreased by 3800 , which was a 9% decrease. What was Jessica's original salary?

Answer 1

Percentages

We know that Jessica's salary decreased by 3800 which is the 9% of her previous salary, then, if we find the 100% we will find her original salary. We have then the following equivalences:

100% ⇄ original

9% ⇄ $3800

If we divide both sides of the equivalence we will have the same result:

`(100)/(9)=\frac{\text{original}}{3800}`

Now, we just have to multiply both sides of the question to find her original salary:

`\begin{gathered} (100)/(9)\cdot3800=\frac{\text{original}}{3800}\cdot3800 \\ (100)/(9)\cdot3800=\text{original} \\ 100\cdot422\approx\text{original} \\ 42200\approx\text{ original} \end{gathered}`

Answer: Jessica's original salary was $42200 annually