document.write( "Question 406656: The original price of the book was decreased by 20% two times in one year. It now cost $180 less than the original price. What was the original price? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #286877 by J2R2R(94)\"\" \"About 
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Assuming it was reduced by 20% to 80% of its original price; and then this price was reduced by 20% to 80% of this price (not a further 20% of the original price bringing it to 60% of the original price), we would have 80% of 80% = 64%\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "So, if it now costs $180 less than the original price, the reduction is 1 - 64% = 36%\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Therefore 36% of the total price is $180.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Since 36% is 9/25, the original cost is $180 times 25/9 = $500.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Let us check:\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Original price $500\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "20% reduction is $100 bringing it to $400\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "A further 20% reduction is £80 bringing it to $320\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "The difference in the price id $500 - $320 = $180\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Correct! \n" ); document.write( "
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