BTGmoderatorLU wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 09, 2021 1:34 pm

Source: Magoosh

After receiving a 25% discount, Sue paid $180 for a lawnmower. What is the original price of the lawnmower before the discount?

A. $215
B. $220
C. $225
D. $240
E. $245

The OA is D

Let x = the original price (BEFORE the discount)

If Sue 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 $180, so we can write: 75% of x = $180
Or we can write: 0.75x = 180

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 = 180
Multiply both sides by 4/3 to get: (4/3)(3/4)x = (4/3)180
Simplify: x = 240

Answer: D

Cheers,
Brent