Problem Solving

VJesus12 wrote:After receiving a 25% discount, Amanda pays $240 for a TV. How much would the TV cost without the discount?

A. $180
B. $300
C. $320
D. $360
E. $400

Let x = the original price (BEFORE the discount)

If Amanda received a 25% discount, then she paid 75% of the original price.
In other words, she paid 75% of x
We're told she paid $240, so we can write: 75% of x = $240
Or we can write: 0.75x = 240

ASIDE: One approach here is to divide both sides by 0.75, but this can be a pain for many students.
Another option is to convert 0.75 to a fraction, and then go from there.
Here's what I mean.
We get: (3/4)x = 240
Multiply both sides by 4/3 to get: (4/3)(3/4)x = (4/3)240
Simplify: x = 320

Answer: C

Cheers,
Brent

VJesus12 wrote:After receiving a 25% discount, Amanda pays $240 for a TV. How much would the TV cost without the discount?

A. $180
B. $300
C. $320
D. $360
E. $400

Another approach is to TEST THE ANSWER CHOICES....

If Amanda received a 25% discount, then she paid 75% of the original price.
In other words, she paid 3/4 of the original price.
We're told she paid $240, so we'll check the answer choices to see which one yields an output of $240 when we find 3/4 of that value.

C) $320
3/4 of 324 = (3/4)(320) = $240
Perfect!!!

Answer: C

Cheers,
Brent

VJesus12 wrote:After receiving a 25% discount, Amanda pays $240 for a TV. How much would the TV cost without the discount?

A. $180
B. $300
C. $320
D. $360
E. $400

The OA is the option C.

What is the equation that I should use here to get an answer? Could anyone give me some help? Please.

Source: Veritas Prep

We can let n = the regular price of the TV and create the equation:

0.75n = 240

n = 240/0.75 = $320

Answer: C