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

If a person 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 the variable x.
Step 2: A 20% raise means the salary increases by 20% of x, which is 0.2x.
Step 3: After the raise, the new salary is the original salary plus the raise: x + 0.2x.
Step 4: Combine the terms: x + 0.2x equals 1.2x.
Step 5: We know the new salary after the raise is $1200, so we can write the equation: 1.2x = 1200.
Step 6: To find the original salary x, divide both sides of the equation by 1.2: x = 1200 / 1.2.
Step 7: Calculate the division: 1200 divided by 1.2 equals $1000.

Percentage Increase – Understanding how to calculate the original amount before a percentage increase.
Algebraic Manipulation – Using algebra to solve for the unknown variable in an equation.