Final answer:
To find the original price of one box of cereal that was on clearance for 20% off, set up an equation and solve for x. The original price of one box of cereal is $2.50.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the original price of one box of cereal, we can set up an equation using the information given. Let's say the original price of one box of cereal is x. Since the cereal was on clearance for 20% off, the discounted price of one box of cereal is 80% of the original price, which is 0.8x. We know that the student bought 3 boxes of cereal for a total of $6. So, we can set up the equation:
3 * 0.8x = $6
Simplifying the equation:
2.4x = $6
Dividing both sides of the equation by 2.4:
x = $2.50
Therefore, the original price of one box of cereal is $2.50.