Question

A number is decreased by 40% to 144. What is the original amount?

Answer 1

the original amount is 240

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the original amount = y

the original number is decreased by 40%:

Decrease = y × 40% = y × 0.40

= 0.4y

when it is decreased by 40%, the result is 144:

original amount - decrease = 144

y - 0.4y = 144

0.6y = 144

divide both sides by 0.6:

`\begin{gathered} (0.6y)/(0.6)\text{ = }(144)/(0.6) \\ y\text{ = }240 \end{gathered}`

Hence, the original amount is 240