If a man earns $1200 after a 20% raise, what was his salary before the raise?

If a man earns $1200 after a 20% raise, what was his salary before the raise?

Correct Answer: 1000

Step 1: Let the original salary be represented by 'x'.
Step 2: A 20% raise means the new salary is the original salary plus 20% of the original salary.
Step 3: This can be written as: new salary = x + 0.2x.
Step 4: Combine the terms: new salary = 1.2x.
Step 5: We know the new salary is $1200, so we can write the equation: 1.2x = 1200.
Step 6: To find 'x', divide both sides of the equation by 1.2: x = 1200 / 1.2.
Step 7: Calculate the division: x = 1000.
Step 8: Therefore, the original salary before the raise was $1000.

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